Tunnel Hill 100 & 50 Mile Runs
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Event
Tunnel Hill 100 is a multi-distance ultrarunning event held at Vienna, Illinois, with the start and finish at Vienna City Park. Distances offered include:
- 100 miles
- 100 km
- USATF 50 mile National Championship
- 50 miles
- Marathon
The event is USATF sanctioned and IAU labelled for multiple distances. It serves as a UTMB index race and is a qualifier for Western States.
Course, rules and logistics
The course follows the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Runners start and finish at Vienna City Park, run south to the Wetlands Center turnaround, then north to a northern turnaround and back to Vienna for a 50-mile loop; the 100-mile is two loops. The 100km uses the same loop with an additional certified turnaround. Fifty-mile and 100km entrants pass through the tunnel twice; 100-mile entrants pass through it four times.
Time limits are 30 hours for 100 miles, 100 km, and 50 miles. 100-mile runners must begin the second 50 in under 15 hours. Drop bags are accepted at designated locations; recommended maximum size about 10" x 10" x 18". Aid stations provide water, Tailwind, fruit, snacks, sandwiches, hot food later in the day, and limited cups - runners are advised to bring their own containers. Some remote water points are unmanned and stocked with gallon jugs.
Pacer rules and shoe regulations follow IAU and USATF standards; USATF championship entrants must be USATF members and U.S. citizens to be eligible for championship awards. Prize money and bonuses are offered for top placings and for new world or course records. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
