The Hennepin Hundred

Event overview

The Hennepin Hundred is a point-to-point, all-trail ultramarathon held October 3-4, 2026, between Sterling, Illinois and Colona, Illinois along the Hennepin Canal State Trail. The course follows the 104-mile Hennepin Canal State Trail, crosses historic locks and lift bridges, and runs through rural northwest Illinois farmland and small towns. The organizers describe the route as flat and fast. The Mule 50k is a night-time run that begins at aid station 7/15.

Race details

Distances offered:

• 100 Miler
• 100 mile team relay
• 50 Miler
• 50K

Aid stations are placed every 3-7 miles and are described as fully stocked. Finishers receive event swag by distance: 100-mile finishers receive a flannel and belt buckle plus a race shirt and bag; 50-mile and 50k finishers receive a race shirt, finisher medal, and race bag; first-time finishers at each distance receive an "Ultra Virgin No more" cherry pop shirt. Overall awards are given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in each distance; age-group awards use 10-year spans. Race photography is provided and free to download for social media.

Registration, pricing, volunteer incentives and deferral policies are published by the organizers. Early-bird entry fees and volunteer credit amounts are listed for registration and aid station roles. The event is a Western States 100 qualifying race when finished within the stated 30-hour cutoff. Bus transport to the start line is offered from finish-line parking for some distances for a fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.