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The Tunnel Hill 100 is a world-class ultramarathon held on a flat and fast rail-trail in Southern Illinois, famous for its historic tunnel and record-breaking course.
Course Highlights
The Tunnel Hill 100 is staged on the magnificent Tunnel Hill State Trail, a premier rail-trail that winds through the heart of Southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest. The course is renowned among ultrarunners for being exceptionally flat and fast, featuring a finely crushed limestone surface that is easy on the legs while providing excellent traction. One of the most iconic features of the race is the eponymous tunnel—a 543-foot-long passage carved through solid rock that serves as a historic landmark and a highlight for every participant. Runners also traverse numerous high trestle bridges, including the Breeden Trestle, which stands 90 feet high and 450 feet long, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands and dense woodlands. The course takes athletes through the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center, showcasing the diverse ecosystem of the region. Because the trail follows a former railroad bed, the maximum grade never exceeds 2%, making it an ideal venue for those seeking a personal best or a world-record attempt.
Race Details
The 2026 edition of the Tunnel Hill 100 is scheduled for November 14th, with a traditional 07:00 CST start time. The event hub is located at Vienna City Park in Vienna, Illinois, which serves as the central start and finish line for all distances. The 100-mile race typically consists of two loops of a 50-mile out-and-back course, allowing runners to pass through the main festival area and access their drop bags midway through the journey. For those not yet ready for the full 100 miles, the event offers a variety of distances including a 100 km, 50 Miler, 50K, and a Marathon. The race is well-supported with aid stations spaced approximately every 5 to 10 miles at key locations such as Karnak and Tunnel Hill. Each station is famously well-stocked with typical ultra-fare and staffed by experienced volunteers who understand the needs of long-distance runners. The time limit for the 100-mile distance is 30 hours, providing a generous window for first-timers while maintaining a competitive atmosphere at the front of the pack.
Why Runners Love It
Runners flock to Tunnel Hill for its reputation as one of the fastest trail races in the world. It has been the site of legendary performances, including world records and American records set by elite athletes like Zach Bitter and Camille Herron. However, the appeal of the race extends far beyond the elite field. The late autumn timing ensures cool, crisp running weather and stunning fall foliage, creating a serene and focused environment for tackling the ultramarathon distance. The event is managed by Durbin Race Management, known for their meticulous organization and welcoming “ultra-family” atmosphere. Whether you are aiming for a sub-12 hour finish or looking to complete your first century run within the 30-hour limit, the community support in Vienna is unparalleled. The race frequently hosts the USATF 50 Mile Road Championships, adding a level of prestige and excitement to the weekend’s festivities. Ready to challenge yourself on one of the most historic trails in the Midwest? Secure your spot today at the official Tunnel Hill 100 website.
At a Glance
- Location: Vienna, Illinois — United States
- Next Date: 2026-11-14
- Distances: 100 Miler, 100 km, 50 Miler, 50K, Marathon
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.durbinracemanagement.com/
The Tunnel Hill 100 is a world-class ultramarathon held on a flat and fast rail-trail in Southern Illinois, famous for its historic tunnel and record-breaking course.
Course Highlights
The Tunnel Hill 100 is staged on the magnificent Tunnel Hill State Trail, a premier rail-trail that winds through the heart of Southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest. The course is renowned among ultrarunners for being exceptionally flat and fast, featuring a finely crushed limestone surface that is easy on the legs while providing excellent traction. One of the most iconic features of the race is the eponymous tunnel—a 543-foot-long passage carved through solid rock that serves as a historic landmark and a highlight for every participant. Runners also traverse numerous high trestle bridges, including the Breeden Trestle, which stands 90 feet high and 450 feet long, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands and dense woodlands. The course takes athletes through the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center, showcasing the diverse ecosystem of the region. Because the trail follows a former railroad bed, the maximum grade never exceeds 2%, making it an ideal venue for those seeking a personal best or a world-record attempt.
Race Details
The 2026 edition of the Tunnel Hill 100 is scheduled for November 14th, with a traditional 07:00 CST start time. The event hub is located at Vienna City Park in Vienna, Illinois, which serves as the central start and finish line for all distances. The 100-mile race typically consists of two loops of a 50-mile out-and-back course, allowing runners to pass through the main festival area and access their drop bags midway through the journey. For those not yet ready for the full 100 miles, the event offers a variety of distances including a 100 km, 50 Miler, 50K, and a Marathon. The race is well-supported with aid stations spaced approximately every 5 to 10 miles at key locations such as Karnak and Tunnel Hill. Each station is famously well-stocked with typical ultra-fare and staffed by experienced volunteers who understand the needs of long-distance runners. The time limit for the 100-mile distance is 30 hours, providing a generous window for first-timers while maintaining a competitive atmosphere at the front of the pack.
Why Runners Love It
Runners flock to Tunnel Hill for its reputation as one of the fastest trail races in the world. It has been the site of legendary performances, including world records and American records set by elite athletes like Zach Bitter and Camille Herron. However, the appeal of the race extends far beyond the elite field. The late autumn timing ensures cool, crisp running weather and stunning fall foliage, creating a serene and focused environment for tackling the ultramarathon distance. The event is managed by Durbin Race Management, known for their meticulous organization and welcoming “ultra-family” atmosphere. Whether you are aiming for a sub-12 hour finish or looking to complete your first century run within the 30-hour limit, the community support in Vienna is unparalleled. The race frequently hosts the USATF 50 Mile Road Championships, adding a level of prestige and excitement to the weekend’s festivities. Ready to challenge yourself on one of the most historic trails in the Midwest? Secure your spot today at the official Tunnel Hill 100 website.
At a Glance
- Location: Vienna, Illinois — United States
- Next Date: 2026-11-14
- Distances: 100 Miler, 100 km, 50 Miler, 50K, Marathon
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.durbinracemanagement.com/