Event Overview
| Date | Nov 14-15, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Vienna, Illinois, USA |
| Format | Fixed-Distance |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Region | North America |
| Distance / duration | 100 mi |
| State / area | Illinois (IL) |
| Course model | Out-and-back |
| Edition note | Online registration closes October 30 at 11:59 PM Central Time. The 100-mile race starts November 14 at 7:00 AM and has a 30-hour limit, finishing by 1:00 PM Sunday. The USATF national championship is the separate 50-mile race. |
| Cutoff | 30 hours |
| Start | 7:00 AM Saturday |
| Highlights | Rail Trail, Record-Focused Course |
Course & Terrain
Fast out-and-back rail-trail course centered on the Tunnel Hill State Trail near Vienna.
Entry & Logistics
| Registration and fees | Check the official event website for current availability, deadlines, prices, taxes, and refund terms. |
|---|
Why This Race Matters
Tunnel Hill 100 is a useful reference point for runners comparing long fixed-distance ultras where most of the field runs through the night. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.
Preparing for a Race Like Tunnel Hill 100
The 100-mile race guide covers the format as a whole. These guides go deeper:
- Walking strategy for ultramarathons: When and how to walk by terrain, effort and cutoffs.
- Crew and aid-station strategy: Crew tables, aid stops, drop bags and runner preferences.
- Gut training for ultrarunners: A six-week practice sequence for race-day fueling.
- Tapering for ultramarathons: Plan the taper and race week around your own recovery.
Planning Notes
- Treat intermediate cutoff gates as part of the course. Build enough margin for aid stops and late-race slowdown, and verify every current gate in the official rules.
- Train for terrain-specific fatigue. Technical trails and mountain courses demand downhill durability, hiking efficiency, and reliable night lighting.
- The directory marks this as having comparatively simpler logistics. That editorial label is not a safety rating; verify cutoffs, terrain, support, crew access, and withdrawal procedures.
Related Preparation
- Compare verified US 100-mile races
- Compare this race in the full 2026 calendar
- Open the 100-Mile format guide
- Open the Fixed-Distance format guide
- Compare all race formats
- Use the timed-race pace calculator
- Plan checkpoint arrivals and cutoff buffers
- Build a crew and drop-bag plan
- Build a race-specific gear checklist
Verification & Sources
Verification scope: the listed edition's date, location, format, and available logistics were checked against the event-specific official sources below during the directory review dated October 15, 2026. Organizers can revise details after review.
- Official 2026 distances, aid stations and cutoff table — https://www.tunnelhill100.com/race-details.html
- Official 2026 registration and entry deadline — https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133326
- Official Tunnel Hill 100 site — https://www.tunnelhill100.com/
- Multiday Running event directory review scope: October 15, 2026.