The A-100, hosted by the ANF Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, was held this year on the weekend of June 9-11.

It’s an unsupported endurance event that challenges participants to cover their chosen distance — 25,50, 75 or 100 miles — between 6 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Sunday.

“Even before the results of the 2023 A-100 were in, one thing was clear, the weather over the weekend of the A-100 was perfect for hiking,” Tina Toole, ANF Chapter president and NCTA board member. “The cool weather, sunny skies and dry trail were enjoyed by all.”

This year, the event ran south to north on the portion of the NCT that cuts through the Allegheny National Forest.

Photo provided to the Times Observer James Barbur was one of 24 hikers to complete 100 miles during the Allegheny 100 held on the North Country Trail earlier this month.

Toole said that the weekend kicked off with encouraging words from Nancy Brozek, the NCTA’s communications director.

“She emphasized how many volunteer hours the ANF Chapter of the NCTA put in to get the trail in great shape,” Toole said. “Nancy enthusiastically encouraged all participants to enjoy the beauty of the North Country National Scenic Trail as they set out to the north to meet their challenge.”

This year’s A-100 saw 164 hikers take to the trail from across the country, including from Texas, Oregon, 17 from Michigan and Wisconsin, among others.

24 finished the whole 100 miles while 14 covered 75, 88 completed 50 and 29 made it 25 miles.

“The first hundred milers finished at just after midnight on Sunday morning,” Toole said. “That’s covering 100 miles of trail in little more than 30 hours!”

She said another pair took time to drive a sick participant back to their car and still made it under the 50 hour cutoff.

“One family of five came from Connecticut to do the 25-mile hike together. They all completed their challenge and loved the event,” Toole said. “Many participants commented on the beauty of the ANF and how well maintained the North Country Trail was. They vowed to return to experience more of the forest.”

She shared some of the feedback received.

“Truly an incredible event-top notch trails and awesome dedication from all the volunteers who make this event happen. I know we will all be back again next year,” Megan Walker said.

“It is the combination of beautiful trails, personal challenge and accomplishment, and fantastic camaraderie between hikers and volunteers that make so many of us come back for the next year,” Stacy Markovich added.

Toole thanked the volunteers and sponsors that helped run the event including United Refining Company, Betts Industries, Crescent Beer, Warren YMCA, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Inc. and the WCCBI.

“Funds raised by this event go back into upkeep of the trail and trail structures like shelters and bridges,” she said.