Tunnel Hill 100 returns to southern Illinois this weekend, bringing national championship race to Vienna

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

VIENNA, Ill. (KBSI) – Runners from across the country will head to southern Illinois this weekend for the annual Tunnel Hill 100, an ultramarathon event known for its record-setting performances.

The race is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 7 a.m. at Vienna City Park.

The event features four distances: 100 miles, 100 kilometers, 50 miles and a full marathon.

This year’s event will also host the 2026 USA Track & Field 50 Mile Championships, bringing competitive distance runners to Vienna for a national title.

Participants will race along the Tunnel Hill State Trail, a former railroad corridor that winds through the Shawnee National Forest.

The course features a crushed-limestone surface, gentle grades, scenic bridges and a historic 543-foot tunnel.

Organizers say the trail’s relatively flat terrain has helped make Tunnel Hill one of the fastest ultramarathon courses in the country.

Since the event began in 2014, the course has been the site of five world records.

During the 2025 event, Anne Flower set a women’s 50-mile world record with a time of 5 hours, 18 minutes and 57 seconds.

Caitriona Jennings also set a women’s 100-mile world record, finishing in 12 hours, 37 minutes and 4 seconds.

Courtney Olsen established an American record in the women’s 100-kilometer race, finishing in 6 hours, 59 minutes and 55 seconds.

The 100-mile race consists of two 50-mile loops, with runners beginning and ending at Vienna City Park.

Participants in the ultramarathon distances will have up to 30 hours to complete their races.

The event also draws volunteers, spectators and support crews to the region, providing an opportunity for local businesses to welcome visitors.

This year’s race will support Arrowleaf, a southern Illinois nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health, developmental and community services.

Additional information, registration details and live race tracking are available at tunnelhill100.com.