About the race
Feed your sense of adventure and join us for the Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB. This one-of-a-kind event takes you through acres of national forest in the Shenandoah Valley on an iconic running adventure complete with stunning fall foliage, mountain views, and demanding terrain. With a 100M, 100K, and 21K, there's a new challenge for every runner. Join us for this feat to push your endurance, get gritty, earn your stones, and qualify for the iconic UTMB® World Series Finals.
Discover the Races
With approximately 21,000’ of vertical gain that includes monster climbs and the solitude of single-track ridge running, the Grindstone 100-mile race is considered by many to be the most incredible ‘hundo’ east of the 100th meridian.
Race DetailsRace Category
Running Stones
4
The race

Distance
160km
Elevation Gain
21000feet
Start Date
22nd September 2023
Offering 11,000’ of vertical gain, adventure awaits as you experience some of the most scenic and challenging sections of the 100-mile course in this 100K version of Grindstone by UTMB.
Race DetailsRace Category
Running Stones
3
The race

Distance
62miles
Elevation Gain
11000feet
Start Date
23rd September 2023
The Grindstone half marathon course throws a killer climb, a fun ridge run, and a bombing downhill at you, all while still offering a blazing fast start and finish for those interested in a little taste of everything!
Race DetailsRace Category
Running Stones
1
The race

Distance
13.1miles
Elevation Gain
1700feet
Start Date
23rd September 2023
STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE
One of the hardest courses on the East Coast, Grindstone challenges and pushes runners to test their limits. With a highly technical course, runners will overcome high elevation, ridges, peaks, valleys, and all the grit the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. Think you have what it takes to take on this terrain? Push yourself and take in all the breathtaking experiences this running festival provides.
MOST SCENIC AND UNIQUE COURSES ON THE EAST COAST
Set during peak fall foliage, the Shenandoah Valley captures all the beauty the East Coast has to offer. With miles through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, runners will take in peaks, valleys, sunrises, and sunsets. Runners will take the trail through the diverse wildlife as they climb the Appalachian Mountains and trek along the ridge to stunning views. With 3 unique courses including the 100M, and all-new 100K and 21K distances, there is an adventure for every runner, introducing new runners to the trail community.
DESTINATION SHENANDOAH
Let the Shenandoah Valley be your next run-cation. Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alleghanies, the Shenandoah Valley is full of fresh-air adventure around every turn. Run through ridges, peaks, valleys, and take in the stunning views while surrounded by fall foliage. The winding trails will give you the top views for sunrises and sunsets. But it doesn't stop there. Once you're done your race, you can take in the surrounding towns and all of the unique experiences they have to offer.
EARN STONES AND QUALIFY
Get gritty in Grindstone and earn your stones. Qualify for the iconic UTMB World Series Finals through this epic race.
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DISCOVER YOUR STATISTICS AND FOLLOW YOUR QUEST
Create a 'My UTMB' account to access detailed statistics about your past races, consult your UTMB Index, compare your performance against fellow trail runners, check your amount of Running Stones, view your upcoming UTMB World Series Events, and much more.