Races
Hennepin
Sterling, Illinois. Hennepin Canal towpath. Flat. October wind off the cornfields.
101 mi+1,759 ft-1,753 ft30 hours334 ft to 464 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race booktowpathflatWSER qualifierOctober
Distance101 mi
Gain+1,759 ft
Loss-1,753 ft
Altitude334 ft to 464 ft
Technicality5/10
Air35°F to 75°F
- Start400 ft
- High464 ft
- Low334 ft
- Finish407 ft
Field, 2025 · 10-year samplescraped
Starters281
Finish rate73%
Median25:27
Sub-2477
Geometryderived
Steepest drop121 ft-1.1% over 2.1 mi
Night miles47 misunset near 18:00 local
Course records
Men12:45:59Taggart Vanetten
Women14:37:05Rachel Ragona
The cruxIllinois River bridge crossings in October wind (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Hennepin runs 100 mi through Illinois. +1,759 ft gain and -1,753 ft loss. Surfaces skew 95% crushed limestone / 5% paved. Illinois River bridge crossings in October wind. High point near 464 ft. Low near 334 ft. October temps run 35°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 1,759 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on similar surfaces. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 30 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
October in Illinois: plan for 35°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 30 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 95% crushed limestone: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Illinois River bridge crossings in October wind near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Hennepin finish lines.
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Sources (2)
- Field stats (2025): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=119989
- Course record (M): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=101003