American Bottoms 100
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Ultra-Distance Road Racing in Illinois
The American Bottoms is an ultra-distance road race held in Columbia, Illinois, situated just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The event takes place in the historic American Bottom region, with a course that follows the Mississippi River and utilizes portions of the American Discovery Trail and the Kaskaskia - Cahokia Trail. Participants run through various historic locations, including Piggott's Fort, Fort de Chartres, and Prairie du Rocher.
The route consists of approximately 51% pavement and 49% gravel surfaces, featuring a mostly flat profile with low elevation gain. Runners travel along levees and quiet backroads, offering views of the Illinois bluffs. The event is designed with generous cut-off times and a focused approach to long-distance running.
Available distances for the event include:
- 113 Mile out and back course with 1,591 feet of elevation gain and 17 aid stations.
- 56 Mile point to point course with 791 feet of elevation gain and 8 aid stations.
The race headquarters is located at 11604 Bluff Rd in Columbia. The 113 Mile event has a 35-hour time limit, while the 56 Mile event has a 17.5-hour time limit. Both distances require maintaining a minimum pace of 18:30 minutes per mile. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
