Please visit the following link to register prior to Thursday Nov 6 11:59 PM.

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=122751

Schedule of Events
All times are CENTRAL Standard Time

The Start and Finish are at Vienna City Park, 302 E. Vine St, Vienna, IL 62995

FRIDAY - Nov 7 - at Vienna HS, 601 N. 1st Street, Vienna
4pm - 7pm packet pickup

4:00-7:00pm Pasta Dinner courtesy of Johnson County. Additional guests are $10 adults, $5 age 6-12, Kids under 6 are free.
Special Guest Speaker at 6 pm: The legendary HARVEY LEWIS! It'll be a talk you won't want to miss.

SATURDAY November 8 at Vienna City Park
5a - 6:30a Parking - arrive early enough to walk 1/2 mile if first lots are full
05:00 - 06:45 am Day of Race packet pick up.
Leave Drop Bags in designated area

06 Last minute words of encouragement and National Anthem

7:00 START of Tunnel Hill 100 mi, 100km, 50 mile, and Marathon

1p FINISH of Tunnel Hill races



2025 USATF 50 Mile Road Championships will be at Tunnel Hill
We are pleased that Tunnel Hill will host the 2025 USATF 50 Mile Road Championships!
If you plan to run, and be eligible for awards, you'll need to be a member in good standing of the USATF, and an American citizen. NOTE: this rule does not apply to the 100 mile race. You can find information and join here: USATF Adult Membership

Top 10 women and Top 10 men will be awarded championship medals.
Top 3 men and Top 3 women in masters age categories (40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, etc) will be awarded top 3 medals. A master runner may also receive one of the top 10 placing medals (i.e. double dip).

Prize money will be given out to the top 3 Men and Women athletes equally as follows:
1st - $1,200
2nd - $500
3rd - $300

Other rules for the Championship:
"Athletes who participate in National Championships and Team USA competitions are subject to drug testing performed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in accordance with the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing."
An additional bib must be worn on the back
Shoes must comply with IAU standards; shoes that are commercially available, have shoe soles not greater than 40mm and with no more than 1 carbon plate are allowed. Here' s the link to that information: Legal shoe information
No pacing outside of running with others who are entered in that specific race, i.e. a 50 mile national championship runner can pace another 50K national championship runner, but NOT a 50 mile (100K, 50K open, marathon runner).

No caching or aid outside of designated aid stations.

NEW for 2025! Slight change in the courses, and new Certifications
If you were here in 2023 you know that Charlie Lawrence broke the men's 50 mile world record. Then in 2024 Courtney Olsen broke the women's 50 mile world record.

The original 50 mile course that was certified in 2017 was long, due to the loop around the park at the start that was not repeated on the second loop of the 100. When intentions were made about going for new world records we decided to have the actual 50 mile finish established.

Prior to 2023 we had the course remeasured and a "true" 50 mile finish line was set.
That was good for the new record setters, but it meant the 50 mile finish was about a quarter of a mile in the woods. Not the best viewing for spectators, and perhaps a bit anticlamactic for the winners.

We've just had the course remeasured and we think it's going to work out very well.

All runners will now START at the traditional finish line, run south to the southern turnaround at the Wetlands Center (new turnaround is about 40' shorter than before), then run north for 25 miles to the new northern turnaround, and back to Vienna City Park for the finish. Everyone starts and finishes at the same place.

This course gives us new options:
Run the course once for 50 miles.
Run it twice for 100 miles.
When you cross the finish line at Vienna coming back from the south you'll be at a certified marathon distance. If you have to stop there for some reason you'll receive an official marathon finish and the marathon medal.
After you've run 50 miles you either stop for your finish, or you continue on in quest of 100 miles. If you feel the need to stop before 100 miles you can use the 100km turnaround about a mile past the first southern aid station, return to finish and receive an official 100km finish and award.

USATF Sanction # 25-21-156319
The new USATF & WA certification numbers are:

Marathon: IL25002MN; WA is USA2025-304
50mi: IL25004MN; WA is USA2025-305
100km: IL25005MN; WA is USA2025-306
100mi: IL25006MN; WA is USA2025-307IAU
IAU Golden Label for the 100 mile: Certificate number: 20251065
IAU Golden Label for the 50 mile: Certificate number: 20251064
Very few races receive the Golden Label from the IAU. We've been fortunate that elite runners have chosen Tunnel Hill.
100km Bronze Label certificate number 20251066



Marathon and 100km info
With the new course changes we are experimenting to decide what might be the best way to handle the marathon, and a 100km course, yet have everyone start and finish at the same place.
Since we are limited in the total number of runners allowed, we are limiting the number of marathon and 100km starters.

Marathon: The race will be run on Saturday (not Sunday as before), starting at the same time as the other distances. The course goes down to the Wetlands Center turnaround will the other distances. When you get back to the finish line at Vienna City Park you will have a certified marathon. This will yield a faster course, but will not include running through the tunnel. Very limited number of entry slots.

100km: The course is exactly the same as the others. Starts at the same time as the other distances. Run 50 miles then continue south to the certified turnaround past the first aid station. Return to the finish for a certified 100km finish. Very limited number of slots available for the 100km, but drop downs from 100 miles are allowed.

Medals for marathon finishers (including drop downs)
100km buckles for 100km finishers (including drop downs)

RACE INSTRUCTIONS
You'll find the race instructions and the aid station/crew info at www.durbinracemanagement.com.
Of course, check under Tunnel Hill .
You may have to copy and paste the link.

Shoes - are yours legal?
In June 2025, the IAU issued new guidelines for shoes. Now, shoes that are commercially available, have shoe soles not greater than 40mm and with no more than 1 carbon plate are allowed. Here' s the link to that information. You'll need to copy and paste

https://iau-ultramarathon.org/shoes-regulation-applicable-to-ultradistance.html

Prize Money - Awards - SWAG
INCREASED PRIZE MONEY!*
Establish a new 100 mile World Record M or F, and earn $7,500. (World Record for men is 1039; Women 1240).
Establish a new course record, MALE or FEMALE, and earn $6000. (Camille Herron's world record, 1240, and Elov Olsson, 1119), own them.
Establish a new 50 mile course record Male or Female, and earn $5000. (Charlie Lawrence's world record - 421 is the mens'. Courtney Olsen's world record, 556, is the women's

Top 3 runners m/f in the 100 mile receive: 1st - $1250, 2nd - $750, 3rd - $500, plus free entry into 2026
Added bonus for 100 milers: Run a SUB 13hrs and receive bonus $1000 (in addition to any prize money). Female SUB 14:45.
Top 3 runners M/F in the USATF Championship 50 mile receive: 1st - $1200, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $300, plus free entry into 2026
Establish a new course record in the Marathon and earn $500 m/f; plus free entry into 2026. Course records: Male Matthew Kruger 225; Female Polina Hodnette 201

*Prize money is NOT awarded in the event someone drops down from the 100 mile to the 100km, 50 mile, or marathon after the race starts. However, that person WILL receive an official finish, the award for that finish, and will be listed in the official results.
USATF and IRS require us to receive a W9 from you if you win $600 or more.

SWAG:
100 mile: All entrants will receive a lightweight hoodie, 10liter dry bag, SILO shoe bag, a drawstring bag, a race belt for your bib, and a running cap.
Finishers will receive a custom belt buckle.

100km and 50 mile: All entrants will receive a lightweight hoodie, drawstring bag, a SILO shoe bag and a running cap. Finishers will receive a custom belt buckle.
Marathon: All entrants receive a lightweight hoodie, drawstring bag, and running cap. Finishers receive custom medal.

500 mile buckle to those with lifetime 500 miles. Get this at the finish along with your finisher buckle.
NEW 1,000 mile buckle!

Aid Stations - Drop Bags/Boxes
See the Aid Station chart at www.durbinracemanagement.com for Aid Stations locations (gps coordinates) and directions to locations.

They will be stocked with the usual aid station fare... water, TAILWIND hydration drink, bananas, oranges, chips, candy, energy snacks, and other items. Early on there will be egg sandwiches, and later in the day turkey wraps, bean wraps, spinach wraps, boiled potatoes, soup, and coffee will be available.
Even hamburgers and hot dogs will be available at the Vienna Park station
Very minimal amount of cups will be available... please bring your own water/fluid containers.
Limited amount of Soda will be on-hand, as its well known that too much sugar will blow up your race.
PLEASE: Registered Pacers are allowed to eat and drink at the aid station. CREW MEMBERS SHOULD NOT EAT AID STATION FOOD. IT IS FOR THE RUNNERS. Please support local businesses by purchasing food from them

NOTE: Breeden Trestle (mm 31.5; 45.1; 80.9; 95.1) will most likely be unmanned. There will be gallon jugs of water there for you to pour into your containers. No cups.

Porta Johns are available at every aid station. Toilets and running water are available at 10.9, 16, 26.6, 36.3, 40.3, and 50.

Drop bags/boxes: Should be kept to a reasonable size, or if you insist on knowing a size, let's call it 10" x 10" x 18" or smaller, or a little bigger. They are to be left near the start/finish line on Saturday morning in the designated area for each location; either Karnak; Vienna; or Tunnel Hill. We will take them, (or in the case of Vienna, leave them) to these locations for you. (You can view this information by going to www.durbinracemanagement.com > races > Tunnel Hill 100/50, and clicking on the link. NOTE: 10.9 & 16 are the same location; 36.3 & 40.3 are the same. 26.6/50 is the start/finish. So, besides the start/finish, there are two additional drop bag locations, that 50 mile runners can access twice each, and 100 mile runners can access four times each.
NOTE: When you are finished with your drop bag/box for the day, please place them in the RETURN TO FINISH area
We will make every attempt to bring drop bags to the finish area on an hourly basis. If you drop down in distance, and didn't move it to the "return to finish" area, then you'll have the option of retrieving it yourself.

How Fast Do You Want to Run?
How fast do you want to run? It's more than a slogan. How fast is up to you, and the amount of work, and perhaps equally important, rest/tapering, you put into preparation for the race. We've seen it enough times to know that with the proper training, and tapering, you have an excellent chance at meeting or exceeding your goals.

Looking for your first 100? How about your first sub 24? Sub 20? Lower?
It's possible here at Tunnel Hill.
There are a large % of first-time finishers in the 100 or the 50 miles. For those who have run a 100 or 50, the majority of them set a personal record, and oftentimes by a wide margin.
Are you next?

The Course - Time Limits - Drop Downs
Course- 100 miles - Course begins at the City Park in Vienna, heads south on the Tunnel Hill State Trail, to the Wetlands Center at 13.1094 miles, where it turns back north to run 25 miles to the northern turnaround, and then back 11.8906 miles to the start/finish. This gives you 50 miles. Repeat this course for the 100. By repeating the 50 mile course we are giving you the best course, with the most scenery.

Course - 50 miles - run the above course once.

100km course - Same course plus continue south to the certified turnaround 6.06855 miles and back to finsih line.

100km and 50 milers will run through the famous tunnel twice, and 100 milers four times.

Time Limits - 100 milers have 30 hours to finish. 100km and 50 milers also have 30 hrs.

100 milers must begin the second 50 in less than 15 hours.
You can see the Course on www.durbinracemanagement.com
30 hr limit; cutoff times; drop downs
You are expected to remain on a pace, equal to or faster, that will allow you to finish in 30 hours for 100mi, 100km, or 50mi. There is no "grace" period.
Cut off times will be listed at each aid station, and in the Racer's Booklet given to you at packet pickup.
The Tunnel Hill State Trail is CLOSED at dark, unless you are in the race (either a pacer, or runner).
If it is dark, and you do not arrive at an aid station at a 30 hour or better pace, volunteers will pick you up, and take you to the finish or to your crew, whichever is preferred.
If you fail to reach an aid station within the allotted time during daylight hours, you may continue if you wish, but you will not be considered a 100 mile finisher. You WILL be given (if you want it), the 50 mile finisher's buckle, and your 50 mile split will be recorded as your finishing time

Camille Herron shatters World Record at 2017 Tunnel Hill
Camille Herron predicted it, then blazed to a new WORLD RECORD for women 100 mile Open record (regardless of surface, including Track). She raced a 7:37mi pace for 100 miles to finish in 1240, eclipsing the old mark by over an hour and 3 minutes. This was the fastest 100 mile run in North America by male or female for 2017, and was also the Fastest Known Time for 100 miles on a trail by anyone, ever, in North America

Lodging - Camping - Airports
Lodging - From the south; Paducah, KY is about 25 miles south (or East via I-24. AUBURN PLACE and Suites(270) 444-7667 is very nice. We also recommend Holiday Inn and Suites (270) 442-8874. Please ask for the rate.
Other options this year: Hotel Name - Country Inn & Suites
Inclusions: Complimentary HOT Breakfast, Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi and free usage of indoor heated pool.
Hotel Name - QualitySuites
Inclusions: Complimentary Continental Breakfast, Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi. Both the hotels are side by side and located just off i 24, Exit 4 with many restaurants like Texas Roadhouse, Rafferty's and O Charleys at walking distance. Our guests also get a 10% off if they happen to dine at these places.
Contact Sabreen for rate: (270) 201-4729

Exit 4 Paducah has just about every type of motel. If you are coming from the north you may want to check out Marion, IL... about 30 miles from Vienna
Metropolis, IL has some hotels as well; about 20 miles to the south of Vienna exit.

Camping: Tent camping only is allowed at the Vienna Park. First Come/First Served as they do not take reservations, but we ask that you make a donation at the Forman Depot there. Very convenient since the start/finish is here. You can set up as early as Thursday morning. Lots of places to eat, get groceries, etc within a half mile. Looks like about 16 electric outlets scattered around. Water available through faucets.
SPECIAL NOTE: RV and trailer camping is NOT allowed at Vienna Park for 2019. Sorry about this. We recommend you use Shawnee Forest Campground for RV and trailer camping.
Camping: Shawnee Forest Campground is located just off I-24 exit 16, 1800 State Route 146E: 60 Full Hookup Sites, just about a mile from the start/finish. shawneeforestcampground.com 618-658-0619;
Main Brothers Campground - Karnak, IL - about ten miles from the start, very near the 10, 15, 60, and 65 mile aid station. Hookups, etc. 618-634-9311
Airports: St. Louis, MO, Lambert International is 150 miles from Vienna. Paducah Kentucky, Barkley airport is 35 miles. Nashville International is 175 miles.

Would you like to VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers are the life line of the Tunnel Hill runs. Under the coordination of Jason Claunch, we have been blessed with an outstanding group, including some from the River to River Runners Club, The West Kentucky Runners Club, Johnson County Masons, and the Eastern Star.
If you would like to volunteer to help we can use you! Let us know!
Steve Durbin [email protected]
Jason Claunch [email protected]
Volunteers receive a long sleeve Tunnel Hill shirt, and the recognition and appreciation of 750 runners!

Western States and; UTMB index race
We are pleased that Tunnel Hill 2025 is a UTMB index race.
Tunnel Hill 2025 is also a qualifier for Western States 2027. Finish the 100, and you've qualified for WSER 2027.
It just happens that Tunnel Hill falls on the first week after the last qualifying weekend for the next year's WSER, so that means it's the first weekend for WSER qualifying for the year after next. You can get your qualifying out of the way early!!
Note: you still have to go through the qualifying paperwork.

PACERS*
NOTE: Pacers should sign up on Ultrasignup. Go to Register and click on Pacer. Fill out your info and initial the waiver. Follow the instructions. Note there is a $10 fee (plus Ultrasignup fees). We'll use these registration fees to offset the cost of food and drinks the pacer consumes at the aid station. Pick up your bib number at packet pick up, or have your runner pick it up for you. If you have more than one pacer only one can run at a time, and they should use the same bib.
100 milers: You can have a pacer beginning at whichever time comes first; your final 24 miles (which corresponds to Vienna park as you begin your second trip to the tunnel and back), OR you can have one once it gets DARK (which can be at the nearest aid station to you when it gets dark).
50 milers: You can have a pacer at the nearest aid station to you when it gets dark.

The trail is extremely easy to follow, with no technical sections, and only one major road crossing, so the vast majority will not need a pacer to keep you on course. There will be hundreds of other runners on the trail with you, and since it is an out and back, the chances of not seeing anyone every few minutes are very slim.

*NOTE: in accordance with USATF rules, anyone planning to run and file for an American Record, including age group record, may NOT have a pacer, however they may run with someone who are duly entered, and starts the race at the regular start time.

Mike Bialick wins again at Tunnel Hill 2019
Mike Bialick added to his incredibly consistent excellence at Tunnel Hill. Mike ran 1243 to go with his previous times of 12:52, 12:56, and 13:02. He has been Male Champion three times, and overall winner twice. In fact, it's taken a World Record by Camille Herron in 2017, and a World's Best by Zach Bitter in 2018 to keep Mike from being a perfect four for four.

Phil Young wins 2021; 3 finish under 13hrs
Phil Young, of Davenport IA, ran strong the whole day and capped an amazing final 24 miles to pass world champion Zach Bitter and win in 1208. Zach was next with 1249, and Jacob Moss' 1252 made it three under 13 hours. This was only the second race to EVER have three runners under 13 hours in the same race, and the first time since 1975!
Stefanie Flippin defended her 2020 title with a brilliant 1416; the fastest Tunnel Hill 100 only to Camille's world record 1240.

RECORDS FALL IN 2023 - Charlie Lawrence sets the 50 mile World Record
Charlie Lawrence, Boulder CO, in his first race at the distance, set a new 50 mile World Record, bettering the great Jim Walmsley's 408 by 1:47. Lawrence's 421 is the new standard. Incredible.
Polina Hodnette (514) pulled away from Allison Mercer (512) to win. The two ladies placed themselves in 4th and 6th place for women in N. American history for the 50 miles. Mercer's effort set a new American Masters Record.
Elov Olsson came from his home in Gavle Sweden with the intention to break his National Record. He not only broke it by 66 minutes, he ran the 3rd fastest 100 miler in history, and the world's best off road. An incredible 1119!
Micah Morgan (1514) bested April Woo (1554) in the women's 100.

Of the 4 course records, 3 fell, leaving Camille Herron's world record 1240.

COURTNEY OLSEN SHATTERS 50 MI WORLD RECORD 2024 TH
We are so excited to let you know that the Women's 50 mile world record (ratified) was shattered at Tunnel Hill this year. Courtney Olsen of Bellingham, WA, announced her intention of going for the record a few months ago, and made good on the intention by running 556; a full 8 and 1/2 minutes under the previous WR held by the legendary Ann Trason.

Courtney joins Camille Herron (100 mile - 1240 - 2017), and Charlie Lawrence (50 mile - 421 - 2023), as holders of World Records that were run at Tunnel Hill - Vienna IL.

How fast do you want to run?

Is it a Road Course, or is it a Trail?
IS IT A ROAD COURSE, OR IS IT A TRAIL??
This was a hotly debated topic after Camille Herron slaughtered the womens 100 mile World Record.
Well guess what? Its both!
Because it is sanctioned, and course certified by the USATF & IAAF (and course ratified), its a Road or Open course.
And, because it is not paved, it is considered Trail by the American Trail Runners Assoc., and the International Trail Runners Association.
Camilles 1240 gives her the World Record for 100 miles for Women, regardless of surface (including Track).
Elov Olssons 1119 gives him the World's Best time for an unpaved surface (commonly known by the ITRA as a trail) 100 by anyone, ever.

Shoes - Gaiters
Shoes/Gaiters: The running surface is smooth, with a finely crushed limestone layer over a dirt bed. You can wear whichever shoes are most comfortable for you, however you should be aware of shoe regulations (see the above information). I recommend you wear gaiters to keep the small rock out of your shoes (especially if it rains, as the rock tends to stick to the bottom of your shoes more.

Refund/Deferral information
Please note that there are no refunds, and no bib transfers.

Highlights from 2019 - 2023
2024:Courtney Olsen chose to run Tunnel Hill because she thought she would break the world record for 50 miles here. She shattered the legendary Ann Trason's long-standing record by about 8 and 1/2 minutes! Trailing Andrea Pomaranski by about a minute through the marathon, Courtney stayed true to her pace through the tunnel and back and kicked it in to the tune of 556. 2023: Records Fall! Going into the race we had some of the strongest course records in the 100 and 50 mile distances of any event we know of. Yet, three of the four were shattered, leaving only Camille Herron's world record standing. Charlie Lawrence was true to his prediction, and ran 421, taking down the world record previously held by ultrarunning legend Jim Walmsley. It was the farthest Charlie had ever run. In her 50 mile debut Polina Hodnette became the 4th fastest N. American woman at the distance with her 514. Allison Mercer (512) was close behind and established a new Masters American Record.
2021 and 2022 champion, Phil Young ran his fastest Tunnel Hill, 1236, but was denied the three peat by Swede Elov Olsson. Olsson came from his home town Gavle to Tunnel Hill with the intention of running a National Record. He didn't disappoint! His brilliant 1119 broke the old Swedish mark by 66 minutes, is the 3rd fastest 100 miles ever run, and the world's best off road 100. Micah Morgan won the women's 100 division in a strong 15:14 over runner up April Woo.2022: A freak 3 hour snow storm really affected finishing rates, but these champions persisted: Phil Young - repeat winner in the 100 mile, Jill Wojta 100 mile winner in the 4th fastest 100 for female at TH, Rajpual Pannu - 50 mile winner in a brilliant 5:08, and Matt Kruger, who lowered the marathon course record to 2:29!
2021: World record holder Zach Bitter decided to return and attempt to be the first to run sub 12hrs off road. He was on pace through 90 miles before things unraveled a bit. Bitter pressed on, but was overtaken by Phil Young, who won in 1208. Bitter (12:47), was joined by Jacob Moss (12:54) to give us three runners under 13 hrs. This was only the second race on record to boast 3 sub 13 hour 100s on the same day, and the first since 1975. Stefanie Flippin repeated as women's champ with an awesome 14:04.
2020: Coronavirus. Tunnel Hill was limited to 100 total entrants combined for the 100 and 50 mile runs. Didn't matter to Taggart Vanetten (12:19), and the four others who broke 13:43 in the 100; or to 50 mile course record setters Zack Beavin (5:03) and Jackie Pirtle-Hall (6:02). 2019: Mike Bialick (12:59) won for the third time/second as overall. Loretta Horn won the women's with her 17:21. In the 50 mile, 2016 100 mile winner, Juan Moran (5:35) beat a strong field that included five runners with SUB6 hours. Stephanie Hill's 7:19 won for the women.

HIghlights from 2014 - 2018
2018: 1236. American Record Holder at 100 miles, Zach Bitter blazed to the 4th fastest 100 miles ever, and shattered the world mark for FKT on a trail 100. Two-time Male Champion, Mike Bialick cruised to what will probably be the second fastest 100 run in N. America this year with his 12:56. Neela D'Souza won for the 3rd overall time, and second in the 100 with a 16:52.
In the 50 mile, NIcole Monette won the 50 miler, finishing in 6:37, while Maksym Chepeliev smoked a 5:59.

2017: WORLD RECORD! Camille Herron ran 1240, shattering the old record by over an hour! Her mark also establishes a new Fastest Known Time for 100 miles on Trail by anyone, ever.
Mike Bialick ran a gutsy race, following within striking distance until around mile 90. Mike won the Mens Division with a 1344.
In the 50 mile: Matt Hoyes won in 540, while Alicia Heyne won the women's in 731.

2016: Coree Woltering claimed his second TH win, as he ran away from a strong field with his brilliant 515 for 50 miles, and good for second fastest in N America for the year.
Juan Moran took the 100 mile win with a 1426, while Neela DSouzas 1607 earned her second overall, and First Female.

2015: Mike Bialick of Minnetonka, MN, flew past all the really fast 50 milers, turning in a 6:07 fifty mile split, on his way to the Fastest 100 mile run recorded for 2015 (1253). Harvey Lewis was second in 14:45. Kristen Roe, of Manlius, NY, in her very first 100 miler, took the Ladies title with her 1755.
In the 50 mile: Coree Woltering won in 606, while Neela D'Souza took the women's crown in 635.

2014: When we decided to host a 100/50 miler on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail we knew that someone could post a really fast time. Add 48hr World Record holder Traci Falbo, and excitement was high. (much higher than the temperatures.. 18 degrees at the start, overcast upper 20s in the day, and a little sleet at night).
Traci cruised to a new American Record for woman on a trail 100 miler with her 1426.
Traci put Tunnel Hill on the map with her brilliant performance, lending instant credibility to the course.
Troy Shellhamer won the Mens Division in 1602.
In the 50 mile: Matthew Brooks won with his 629, while Ashley Ruberg won the women's in 629

DO NOT LITTER - OR FACE DQ
It's a real shame that we have to mention this. The vast majority understand that you DON'T throw trash on the ground. This should apply anywhere, and especially out on a trail. Either use the trash bins at the aid stations, or carefully store your trash on yourself until you reach a trash bin.
Runners are encouraged to report those who litter to race management, and offenders could face disqualification.

Race Director Comments - Welcome to TH # 12
Living in nearby Paducah, KY, I spent many days on the Tunnel Hill rails to trails.
I was fascinated by the old train trestles, the gorgeous scenery, and most of all, the dark, cool tunnel. Even though I knew that trains ran through it, I was always fearful of running into the wall... it seemed to narrow on you as you approached the middle.
After I ran my first 100 miler in 2004, I started to think of hosting a 100 on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. In 2014, we hosted our first.
What a great course it is, too! Fast! This Tunnel Hill course is proving itself to be the fastest hundred in not only the United States, but the World.
Unlike a Track, you dont have to make your way around slower runners the whole day, or if youre slower, you dont have to move over for faster runners all day.
There are no altitude issues... elevation runs between 340' and 680' above sea level.
No humongous hills, in fact, no hills... instead a gentle 2% grade.
No roots, rocks, or indentions in the trail to contend with at night... this is a crushed limestone, smooth trail, with the occasional stick. (After all, it IS tree lined most of the way). And, we are having it in mid November to take out the hot, humid days.

This just seemed to be the perfect 100 miler for first time hundreds (and everyone wants to run 100 miles now, don't they? The same runners who, several years ago, were facing their first marathons).
It's also ideal for veterans to break that elusive 24 hour barrier, or for faster runners to finally crack 20 hours.

Annnd... don't think that because it's a rails trail that it will be boring... nothing further from the truth... the trail cuts beautifully through gorgeous overlooks, using some very cool bridges. It'll leave you breathless

Thanks to Assistant Director, Jason Claunch, for his outstanding work in securing some of the best volunteers anywhere. River to River Runners Club, West Kentucky Runners Club, SILO, Squirrel Nut Butter, and the wonderful people of Vienna, IL and Johnson Co. and those at Tunnel Hill State Trail.
We're looking forward to being your host!

Steve Durbin - Race Director

History of the Tunnel Hill State Trail
At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Passengers in Pullman cars clocked the miles with these and other landmarks as they traveled one of southern Illinois' most scenic routes.

Today, the railroad is gone. The route, known as Tunnel Hill State Trail, remains.
Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for over 50 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. The trail continues on a trails spur for 2.5 miles from Karnak to Cache River State Natural Area - Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad bed.

The trail (ranging in width from 40 to 200 feet) features ever-changing vistas, from lush wetlands including an ancient Cypress-tupelo swamp, abundant wildlife, picturesque trestles ranging from 34 to 450 feet, and incredible rock formations.

Elevation ranges from 340 feet at Karnak on the southern end, to the highest point at Tunnel Hill at 680 feet, giving the trail a gentle 2% grade.

The main attraction is the iconic tunnel. Once over 800 long, before a portion collapsed in 1929 leaving 600 feet of thrills and chllls.

For much more information on Tunnel Hill State Trail, please visit the Illinois Dept of Resources page. http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/tunnel.htm



Sponsorship Opportunities
Thanks to current sponsors:
www.durbinracemanagement.com
So iLL Racing
West Kentucky Runners Club
Colson Photography
River to River Runners Club
Paducah Bank
Johnson County IL
City of Vienna
SILO www.gowithsilo.com
Squirrel Nut Butter
For sponsorships opportunities please contact Steve Durbin at [email protected]