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SUMMARY:Big Five Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Are you a thrill-seeking runner looking for your next big challenge? Look no further than the Big Five Marathon in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Known as the “world’s wildest marathon\,” this race is not for the faint of heart. The stunning surroundings are reason enough to take on the challenge but add in the fact that it takes place in the heart of a wildlife reserve\, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read on to learn more about the Big Five Marathon and why you should add it to your running bucket list. \nThe Course:\nThe Big Five Marathon takes place within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy\, which means runners are surrounded by some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife. As you run the 26.2-mile course\, you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five animals: lions\, leopards\, elephants\, buffalo\, and rhinos\, along with other incredible creatures such as giraffes\, zebras\, and wildebeests. Don’t worry\, though – the course is designed with safety in mind\, and rangers closely monitor the animals to ensure the safety of participants. \nThe course itself is challenging\, but the scenery and wildlife make it all worth it. Runners will traverse through mountains\, valleys\, grasslands\, and riverbeds\, all while surrounded by stunning views and incredible animals. It’s a truly unique race experience that you won’t find anywhere else. \nThe Community:\nOne of the most unique aspects of the Big Five Marathon is the impact it has on the surrounding community. The race is locally organized and works closely with the villages in the surrounding area. Community members are involved in everything from the race organization to the aid stations along the course. Additionally\, a portion of the race fees go towards conservation efforts in the area\, so not only are you getting to run through the wilderness\, but you’re contributing to its preservation as well. \nThe Preparation:\nIf you’re thinking of taking on this unique marathon challenge\, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First\, be prepared for the weather – the race takes place in June\, which is the middle of winter in South Africa. Temperatures can be chilly\, so pack accordingly. Second\, make sure you are properly trained for the course. The combination of hills\, uneven terrain\, and altitude make for a challenging run. Third\, don’t forget your camera! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some incredible wildlife\, and you’ll want to capture the memories. \nIf you’re looking for a race experience unlike any other\, the Big Five Marathon is the perfect choice. Not only will you get to push yourself physically\, but you’ll also have the chance to see some of the world’s most incredible animals in their natural habitats. It’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure\, running\, and conservation efforts into one unforgettable experience. So lace up your shoes\, pack your bags\, and get ready to take on the world’s wildest marathon. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races. \n \nRelated Races You Might Like\nLooking for more race options? Explore similar races: \n\nAdirondack Marathon Distance Festival\nAmazing Maasai Marathon\nAmsterdam Marathon\n\nSee our complete guides: Best California Races • Best San Diego Races
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/big-five-marathon/
LOCATION:Big Five Marathon | Location\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Road Races,Trail Races
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SUMMARY:Tunnel Hill 100
DESCRIPTION: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. \nCourse Highlights\nThe 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. \nRace Details\nThe 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. \nWhy Runners Love It\nRunners 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. \nAt a Glance\n\nLocation: Vienna\, Illinois — United States\nNext Date: 2026-11-14\nDistances: 100 Miler\, 100 km\, 50 Miler\, 50K\, Marathon\nStart Time: 07:00\n\nRegister & Learn More\nVisit the official race website for entry details\, course maps\, and registration: https://www.durbinracemanagement.com/
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/tunnel-hill-100/
LOCATION:Tunnel Hill 100 | Vienna\, 302 E. Vine St\, Vienna\, IL\, 62995\, United States
CATEGORIES:Trail Races
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