Hitchcock Experience Endurance Runs

The Hitchcock Experience - G.O.A.T.z

The Hitchcock Experience is a multi-distance trail event held December 5-6, 2026 at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa. Proceeds will be donated to Hitchcock Nature Center and the organizers will contribute time and effort to improve the park trail system. The total field is limited to 125 runners.

The course uses long loops on hills and ridges with surfaces ranging from single track to fire road-size trail and some maintenance road. Elevation change per loop is approximately 4,928 feet. Each full loop includes three staffed aid stations; the half marathon follows a shortened version of the longer loop and visits one midloop aid station.

Distances:

• 100 mile: five 20-mile laps
• 101K The Hard Way: half marathon then the 50 mile
• 50 mile: three 16.7-mile laps
• Half Marathon: one shortened 16.7-mile lap to 13.1 miles

Aid stations are located at the Lodge (start and finish), the Oasis (about 6 miles, no crew access), and Black Diamond (about 11.5 miles, fully stocked for full loops). Cups are limited for hot drinks and soft drinks, so all runners must carry a bottle or hydration pack. Drop bags are stored outside by the Lodge in a walled shelter and the conference room is reserved for race staff and ski patrol. Limited runner interaction is allowed at the campground with rules that runners remain on course and do not pick up pacers there. Pacers are permitted for 100 mile entrants under specified conditions. Registration is open with entry fees listed for each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.