Hitchcock Experience Endurance Runs

Event Overview

The Hitchcock Experience Endurance Runs take place at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa. The event features trail races of four distances: a 100-mile, 50-mile, 101K (The Hard Way), and a Half Marathon. The total field limit is 125 runners for the 50-mile and 100-mile events, with the half marathon allowed as space permits.

Course Details

The course consists of loops on the hills and ridges of the nature center.

• The 100-mile race runs five 20-mile loops.
• The 50-mile and 101K (50M part) races run three 16.7-mile loops.
• The Half Marathon and 101K (first leg) run one shortened lap of the 16.7-mile loop. The surface includes single-track trail, fire road-size trail, and a small amount of maintenance road. Each full loop has an elevation change of approximately 4,928 feet.

Aid Stations and Logistics

Each 20-mile or 16.7-mile loop contains three fully stocked aid stations: The Lodge (start/finish), The Oasis, and Black Diamond. The Half Marathon course has one aid station. All runners must carry a bottle or hydration pack, as cups are limited. Drop bags are allowed only at The Lodge aid station; there is no crew access at The Oasis aid station. Pacers are allowed for 100-mile runners only, starting at the Black Diamond aid station (after ~52.5 miles) or at the start/finish beginning on the 4th lap.

Event Support

Proceeds from the event go toward a donation to the Hitchcock Nature Center, and the organizing group also provides time and energy to help better the trail system. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.