Tunnel Hill 100 2026

The Tunnel Hill 100 begins and ends at City Park in Vienna, Illinois. Participants can choose from 100-mile, 50-mile, or marathon distances, all utilizing the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The 100-mile event serves as a qualifier for the Western States lottery, and the certified marathon course is eligible for Boston qualifying times. The 50-mile race commences precisely 24 hours after the 100-mile start, leading to 50-mile runners encountering many 100-mile participants during their concluding miles. The 100-mile course directs runners south to the Wetlands Center before returning north to a turnaround point, then heading back to Vienna. This 50-mile loop is then repeated. The trail follows a former rail line, presenting runners with train trestles and rock formations rather than urban streets. Tunnel Hill has a history of fast ultrarunning performances, including Charlie Lawrence's 4:48:21 50-mile world record, Elov Olsson's 11:26:19 for 100 miles, and Camille Herron's 12:42:40, which stands as the women's 100-mile world record associated with the event.