The Allegheny 100: A True Hiking Challenge

How am I just finding out about this now?  In researching an unrelated blog topic I came across the Allegheny 100 Hiking Challenge.

The A-100 as it's called by those in the know, of which I am now one, challenges hikers to trek either 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles on a stretch of the North Country Scenic Trail in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. It's all done over a 50-hour span.



This year's edition of the A-100 has past. It took place June 10-12 but you know what that means; almost a full year to train for the 2017 challenge.

Now, you'll never see the A-100 being called a race, because it's not.  On the challenge homepage it lays out clearly what it the event is. "It is not a race, but an individual challenge of stamina, determination and resilience".

There are also no medals or trophies, no first aid or water stations, no time clocks and the only competition is hiker versus nature and hiker versus them self.

The event is also self-supported, meaning hikers are responsible for carrying their own food, water, clothing and sleep supplies. There are brooks and streams throughout the route for participants to filter or drink right from the source.

Prior to the 2016 A-100, only 28 hiker have completed the 100 miles in 50 hours since 2012, and the 100 mile challenge is completed by a little over one in ten hikers who set out to complete it. The 2016 event saw 23 people complete the 100 miles.

If you're interested in pushing yourself in the 2017 Allegheny 100, visit the North Country Trail Association regularly for more information.  In 2016 the cost to participate was $50, with the bulk of that fee going toward NCTA membership, as all participants must be a member.

If you've attempted or even completed the A-100 I'd love to hear from you about your experience. So please, leave a comment or reach out to me by E-Mail or on Twitter (@PortlyHiker)