Hampshire 100 moves to Crotched Mountain

Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride announced its plans to continue operating the Monadnock Region’s premiere endurance event, the Hampshire 100. After a decade of successful races hosted in nearby Greenfield, the Hampshire 100 has shifted its title and event venue to the ski area, Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride. The event is now called the Crotched Mtn Hundred, but still features trail run and mtn bike divisions, 100 mile, 100K and 50K distances and a 33-mile looped course that winds through the heart of the beautiful Monadnock Region. The new event is slated for Aug. 19. With the distances for this event, it’s qualified as an ultra-endurance event, which pushes the boundaries of what’s capable in athletics.

“In previous years, the Hampshire 100 course has run right through the ski area, so when the event bid became available, it made sense for us to jump on the opportunity and host the event right here at the ski area. Thanks to our predominantly winter focused infrastructure, we’ve got the means and space to host an event venue of this magnitude. Should be a lot of fun and we hope to continue the brand of race that the Hampshire 100 built over the past decade” stated Race Director Andy Gendron.

The endurance event draws amateur and professional endurance athletes from all over the country, with many competing in the event to supplement their race season within the NUE (National Ultra Endurance Series) race series. Racers accumulate points through the season, with the Crotched Mtn Hundred being one of only two NUE races in the Northeast. The event is open to the public, so groups of locals from the area also compete in the event, showcasing southern New Hampshire’s athletic ability. Many of the organizational details of the race will remain the same. For example, the race will feature a similar 33-mile looped course, now starting at the ski area. A few adjustments are planned to the event execution for this year however, like the move from Sunday to Saturday for race day, the addition of a beer garden at the event venue, additional activities like a short, timed course at the event venue and a pre-registration party on Friday night featuring live entertainment, a bonfire and a prize raffle for racers. Lastly, the Crotched Mtn Rehab Center had been a major non-profit entity of the race in year’s past and that relationship is planned to continue, with a portion of the race revenues being donated to the rehab center, post event.

“A major ultra-endurance event like the Crotched Mtn Hundred is a great benefit to the Monadnock Region by showcasing its beauty to visitors, stimulating the local economy via lodging and food sales and connecting the bike and trail running communities. We thank all the local landowners, volunteers and groups who are helping us to continue this rich tradition of mtn biking and running on New Hampshire soil,” concluded Race Director Andy Gendron.

Registration for the Crotched Mtn Hundred, for both trail runners and mountain bikers is now open and will close on Friday Aug. 11. Registration rates increase on July 14. Registration and event details are available for review at crotchedmtn.com/crotched-mtn-hundred/ or by calling race organizers at (603) 588-3668.