Race info
Unforgiving. Historic. Gnarly. Do you have what it takes?
RRCA's Pennsylvania 100 Mile Trail Run Championship
Fastest Known Times (non-race) and GPX files - Gerard Hiking Trail
As a member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), we follow their guidelines on headset use. RRCA does not encourage headphone use during its member races but does not disallow them as long as they are used safely. For this reason, Oil Creek 100 Trail Runs will allow headphones on the course only if it does not pose a safety risk. If you absolutely must use them KEEP THE VOLUME DOWN so you can hear runners approaching from behind - or risk getting run over in wild & tough 1860's oil boom era fashion. For safety reasons, it may be necessary for a course official to ask you to remove your headset/earphones during the race. You are required to comply or face disqualification and removal from the course.
Beautiful & modern Titusville Middle School (TMS) at 415 Water St (the intersection of S Kerr St & Water St) will serve as the start & finish line, race headquarters, and aid station # 4. Showers - with 4 private stalls in each locker room as well as the traditional school group showers - will be available all weekend for runners, pacers and crew for a fee of $10 .
Click on school floor layout for a larger view - 4 restrooms open for use:
Awards
Top 3 males and females in each distance - these 6 individuals receive complimentary entry for next year's race
Male & female champions - lifetime complimentary entry (for any distance)
All finishers will receive the traditional trail ultra finisher's award belt buckle (see below)
Last place finisher in each distance will be honored with the prestigious "Last Wildcatter to Leave Pithole" award. Pithole / Pithole City is the ghost town that is just a few miles away from Oil Creek State Park. Pithole went from a wilderness area with 3 cabins in 1864 to a population of 15,000 in 1865 with no sewage system and knee-deep mud. By the end of 1867 the town was essentially dead with a population of 281.
The race registration website will capture your medical background (allergies, medicines currently on, blood type, etc.) and emergency contact information. This data will be written on the back of your race bib for EMS (emergency medical services) use. This is for your protection in the event of a medical emergency so please complete this information as accurately as possible - give yourself every chance to survive in an emergency situation.
EMS personnel will be at most staffed aid station to assist you in an emergency. However, these are very remote locations that are difficult to get aid to in a short amount of time so please read the waiver on the race registration website very carefully. You must run / walk in a manner to protect yourself, other runners, and your pacer (if applicable) at all times.
The first and last 1.25 miles of all race distances & loops will be on a short side street and the paved bike path that runs between TMS and Oil Creek State Park (the Jersey Bridge canoe launch parking lot just north of Drake Well Museum). See the maps / directions page for more information.
All races will be run on an approximate 50K loop course on the rugged trails at Oil Creek State Park and short sections of the paved bike path and area dirt roads.
Staffed aid stations every 7 to 8 miles - stocked with Hammer Nutrition's Endurolytes, HEED and Hammer Gel, pure Culligan water, and other goodies. Real food is provided as well such as hard boiled eggs, fruit, PB&J sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, mashed potatoes and cheese, perogies, etc.
2021 change - most WATER ONLY aid stations have been removed due to volunteer safety. Therefore, water will be available about every 5 to 7 miles (instead of the 3 to 4 miles it was in prior years). See the COURSE page for more info.
Portable (typically around 10) and permanent pit composting toilets along the 50K loop course
Trekking poles are permitted and used by many participants - but use them only if you have trained with them - don't let the race be your training ground where you can injure yourself or others
NSAID's will not be available at the aid stations
Carry your own Advil, Tylenol, aspirin, etc. in a small plastic ziploc type bag
DNF's / dropping from the race - at aid stations
Where not to: Section 2's Cow Run boy scout troop is not an aid station - do not drop there unless you are so injured you cannot make the ensuing 3.7 miles to AS3 at Miller Farm Rd bridge.
Where not to: same with the Course Marshal station at the trailhead area at the end of section 4 - only if you cannot possibly go on the 2.3 miles to TMS race HQ.
Give the bottom portion of your bib and your chip / strap to the aid station captain. The remote aid stations will have the ham radio person call the drop in to race HQ and write your bib number and drop time on a white board so your crew / family knows.
Before doing the above, sit down and rest a while and get your wits about you before making this decision. Some food and a few minutes can make a big difference.
SAFETY FIRST:
It is typically hunting season in the park so wear hi-visibility shirts / hats.
Have your crew / family drive SLOWLY into aid station # 2 in Petroleum Center - we don't want any participants getting hit by a car
Some participants will be using trekking poles, be aware and careful
Help injured participants get to the nearest aid station (as you would want help if you needed assistance)
Always travel at an appropriate speed for the terrain and conditions
Foot bridges can be extremely slick when damp from dew or rain - use extreme caution crossing them
It is never a good idea to startle any wild animals - make lots of noise or wear a BEAR BELL
BEAR BELLS have a magnet to mute the sound so you don't annoy the "I'm too cool for that" runners when you are in a pack
Black bears live in the park - you are the visitors - bear bells are recommended when you are in the lead of a pack or when running alone
Black bears have been known to get on the trail after some runners have gone by, so don't think they will run for deep cover just because a race is going on
Porcupines can waddle along the trail, and especially seem to come out near dusk - be alert for them - they do not shoot quills, contact must be made
100K & 100 milers going into / through Saturday night - temperature can dip into the 30's or 40's and be foggy - DRESS WARM - have gloves, hats, etc in your drop bags
100K & 100 milers going into / through Saturday night - have a WHISTLE with you in case you go down an embankment and need assistance in the dark
AID / DROP BAGS (not hard plastic totes or bins) for your extra gear & special needs:
Print in LARGE letters your name, bib #, and the aid station name clearly labeled on the bag.
Bring them Saturday morning - for AS#2 there will be huge sandwich sign on the school's front sidewalk to leave it by, and for AS#4 you can put it under the kitchen loading dock overhang Saturday morning. Volunteers will organize them under a canopy for easy and organized access.
The two locations you can have a (separate) drop bag are:
Petroleum Center - AS # 2 - all races - bags only, no large or hard bins / containers to make it easier on our volunteers (and to take up[ less of a footprint at the aid stations)
TMS - AS # 4 under a canopy just after the aid station canopy - 100K & 100 milers only without crew
TMS - AS # 4 - your tent / vehicle - be sure to check in to the aid station / go across the chip mat before going to your tent or vehicle - you must re-enter the course at the aid station - AVOID the CHIP MAT when returning from your vehicle so you don't get multiple chip reads and cause confusion for the timers
Ziploc Big Bags (XL size) or similar soft-side drop bags are recommended to keep your gear dry and to help our volunteers with transport
No trash bags as they could be mistakenly thrown out with garbage
No plastic totes / bins as they take up too large of a footprint at the aid station, are harder to transport for our volunteers, and are more difficult to dispose of when forgotten / left behind
Important - to get your AS # 2 PC drop bags returned to race HQ ASAP, put them in the return zone after your last visit (or ask a volunteer to do this for you)
All PC AS # 2 drop bags will be transported from the return zone to the front entry area of the school as volunteers have time (approx. every 2 - 4 hours)
If you DNF at AS # 2 be sure to get your drop bag if you have one before returning to race HQ
if your drop bag is at AS # 2 and you DNF at one of the other aid stations we'll do our best to bring it back to race HQ and put it on the front sidewalk as time allows, but it is possible you may have to drive to AS # 2 and get it yourself if you are in a hurry to leave
PACERS - free to pace (no cost):
Must be 18 years of age, same as participants (kids can do the last 100 yards or so down the bus lane to the finish line with mom or dad)
Runners in any distance race that is age 65 and older are encouraged to have a pacer the entire race (one pacer at a time)
Pacers cannot carry supplies or gear for the participant - no "muling"
Pacers can have aid station drinks / food, but hopefully they will not overdo it and cause there to be shortages for participants.
Pink pacer forms and 4 digit RoadID bib #'s are available all of race weekend at race HQ in the cafeteria and at AS 2 in Petroleum Center. Friday night in packet pickup area, rest of weekend in cafeteria for AS 4, or at AS 2 for one-direction north pacers.
None allowed for the 50K - unless you are age 65 or older
One pacer at a time
Pacers can join at either TMS AS # 4 or at Petroleum Center AS # 2 after checking in with aid station personnel and filling out a pacer form and receiving a 4-digit RoadID pacer bib.
100K - pacers allowed the last 50K loop - join at either AS # 4 for the full final loop (or 14 miles one-way to AS 2) or at AS # 2 in Petroleum Center for 17 miles one-way to AS 4
100 milers - pacers allowed the last 39ish miles of the race (the 3rd and final 50K loop plus the 7.7 mile "headed home" loop 4). Pacers can join the 100 mile runner after the 2nd loop is completed at TMS. One pacer at a time and 3 pacers maximum:
AS # 4 at TMS to AS # 2 = 14 miles one-way (hopefully you can arrange a ride back to TMS race HQ... our roamers have limited room and primarily for runners that drop)
AS # 2 to AS # 4 at TMS = 17 miles one-way north from Egbert Farm picnic pavilion to Titusville Middle School (415 Water St)
AS # 4 to Finish = 7.7 mile loop from/to Titusville Middle School race HQ
AS # 2 to AS #2 = 31 mile loop from/to Egbert Farm picnic pavilion in Petroleum Center PA across the road from the park office
AS # 4 to AS # 4 = 31 mile loop from/to Titusville Middle School race HQ in downtown Titusville PA
Pacers must register at TMS race HQ (cafeteria) or AS 2 in Petroleum Center to sign the waiver and pick up their pacer bib (some forms and bibs may be available at AS # 2 but not guaranteed).
CREW: crew is allowed for all race distance participants
NO DOGS or pets
No providing of assistance or gear anywhere along the course except at the AS 2 in Petroleum Center (all races) and AS 4 at race HQ (100K and 100 milers)
Crew must provide assistance within 100 feet of the above crew-available aid stations - but not clogging the actual aid station or drop bag area.
Wolfkiel Run AS #1 and Miller Farm Rd bridge AS#3 are not crew accessible due to the lack of parking / remoteness. If your crew meets you at these remote aid stations or along side roads, you are subject to disqualification.
It is only 10 miles on paved roads from TMS AS#4 to Petroleum Center's Egbert Farm AS#2 which is the turnaround point of the loop and where the park office is located.
Have your crew / family drive SLOWLY into aid station # 2 in Petroleum Center - we don't want any participants getting hit by a car
PARKING:
Friday arrival after school lets out around 3:30 PM, but don't plan on entering the school until after 5 PM (see schedule page).
No RVs in the Titusville Middle School parking lot - park those in the RV / overflow parking lots (see map)
Allow plenty of extra time on race morning if you are arriving then to park - see the home page for parking / overflow / RV camper parking. The grass field next to the parking lot is used for tenting only, no pop-up campers, etc.
FAQs
Q: Can I change distances?
A: Generally not for downgrades in distances, possibly if entrant volume allows for an upgrade in distance. Treat it like a typical ultra you attend that only has one distance available. If you have a compelling case for a downgrade, or an upgrade request, email the race director at rd_oc100@yahoo.com . If you are asking to downgrade because you are frequently injured or didn't train enough, this is encouragement for you to do more research and figure out how to properly train for an ultra.
Q: Lost & found?
A: There will be an orange tote in the TMS cafeteria labeled "lost & found" - check there after the race or have your crew / family check it for you. Things are being added to it all race weekend - lost drivers licenses, glasses, jewelry, etc.
Q: Can I wear headphones or play music?
A: We are an RRCA Road Runners Club of America organization that strongly discourages the use of headphones for the safety of runners. This is primarily a single track trail with 3 concurrent race distances so there will almost always be someone passing you from behind during the morning and afternoon. If you must wear them (at night for example), do so at a low volume so you can hear approaching faster runners and move aside quickly to let them past.
Q: Can I bring an RV to the race?
A: Yes if you must, but you will not be permitted to park it in the middle school parking lot, that is reserved for normal vehicles. Park them in the RV / overflow parking lot(s). See the map on the home page which shows this information. Or park it at Oil Creek Family Campground and drive a separate vehicle to the middle school / race HQ.
Q: Can I bring my dog, my cat, my pony, my snake or other pet?
A: No. For the safety and enjoyment of our runners, volunteers and spectators, NO DOGS or pets of any kind. Please have your crew or family stay home if they cannot go a day without their pet. Failure to follow these rules may result in your disqualification and removal from the official results.
Q: Can I have more than one pacer at a time?
A: No. See the pacer section above.
Q: What side of the trail are the course marking flags on?
A: Primarily the right side. Due to certain terrain or trail conditions it may be necessary for an occasional marking to be on the left side.
Q: Where / when can I pay $10 for a shower or have my crew get food ?
A: The merchandise / sales table in the cafeteria when staffed, otherwise there will be a honor system 5-gallon money bucket during off-hours.
Q: I'm a 100K or 100 mile participant - can I go to my vehicle at AS 4 / race HQ?
A: Yes. Cross the chip mat to check in, then go get gear you may have forgotten or even take a nap. DO NOT cross the chip mat again when you re-enter the race at AS 4. If you decide to drop out even after taking a nap, turn in your chip and bottom of your bib to the AS 4 aid station captain (or volunteers if the captain cannot be found).
Q: I'm a 100K or 100 mile participant with crew - where can they meet me ?
A: See above - only AS2 & AS4. Assistance other than near these aid stations is not permitted to make it fair to other participants. Don't have them hang out IN the aid station but instead be near it. Ask them not to clog up the actual aid station and drop bag area - drop bags are for those participants without crew.
Q: Do I have to use a ziploc type big bag as a drop bag - or can I use my tote as a drop bag?
A: Plastic bags with the built-in handles are MUCH easier for volunteers to transport, they don't have to worry about them accidentally opening or breaking, multiple bags can be carried with one hand - so please do not use a tote for a drop bag. Also, every year we have many people that forget their drop bags and some of them are totes which are much more difficult to dispose of compared to a x-large plastic ziploc type one. They are only about $10 for 4 on Amazon.
Q: Can I have drop bags or my crew meet me at other places other than AS # 2 in Petroleum Center or AS # 4 at TMS race HQ?
A: No. You are subject to disqualification if you receive aid or support in other locations. There is very little parking for volunteers and emergency services at aid stations 1 and 3 in the middle of the park so your crew is not permitted there. Plan ahead & prepare - that is what ultras are all about.
Q: Is there runner tracking provided?
A: 2021 & 2022 - RaceJoy runner tracking will be available using your cell phone's GPS. Download the RaceJoy app and get familiar with it - for you as a participant and your crew / family as a "spectator." See more info on the RaceJoy.net page. The link to the timer's RESULTS page will be provided at the top of the OC100.org home page as well as the results page.
Q: Is there cell service in the park?
A: It is very spotty - typically just along the upper ridges. Aid stations 1 and 3 in the middle of the park do not have any, aid station 2 in Petroleum Center has some - depends on where you are standing. AS 4 at race HQ is ok since it is in town.
Q: Can I use trekking poles?
A: Yes, if you are experienced with them and are careful around other participants.
Q: Can my crew / family use a drone to film me or take pics of me?
A: No, for the safety of the runners and volunteers, no drones.
Titusville 10 day weather forecast, and October daily averages and record temps in F:
