RACE DETAILS
You may never look at an Iowa race the same again.
Saturday – Sunday, December 6-7, 2025
5 a.m. 100 mile, 101K The Hard Way (half), and Half Marathon; 9 p.m. 50 mile and 101K The Hard Way (50M part)
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, IA
Field Limit is 125 runners
100M = 5 20-mile laps
101K The Hard Way = Half Marathon THEN the 50M
50M = 3 16.7-mile laps
Half Marathon = 1 shortened lap
Surface is single track to fire road-size trail and a small amount of maintenance road
Elevation change per loop = approximately 4,928’
RACE LOCATION
Hitchcock Nature Center is located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Omaha, NE in Honey Creek, IA (27792 Ski Hill Loop
Honey Creek, IA 51542)
QUICK STATS
Race Date: Saturday-Sunday, December 6-7, 2025
Location: Hitchcock Nature Center
Start Time: 5 a.m. 100M, 101K The Hard Way (half part) & 1/2 Marathon; 9 p.m. 50M
Registration: Open
Early Bird Entry Fees:
100M: $200
101K The Hard Way: $145
50M: $100
Half Marathon: $80
Registration cap: 125 total runners (50 + 100 milers) Half as allowed
AID STATIONS
Each loop contains three fully stocked and manned aid stations for the full 20/16.7 loops. NOTE: 1/2 Marathon does not go to Black Diamond, just The Oasis so there will be one aid station roughly mid-way.
The Lodge aka Beacon of Hope/Despair (start/finish). Drop bags, crew access, pacer pickup
The Oasis at approximately 6.75 miles. The Oasis is located on the west edge of the Hitchcock Nature Center. Note: There is absolutely NO crew access at the Oasis.
Black Diamond at approximately 11.5 miles (Pin - Directions). New aid station for the full (not 1/2 Marathon) 16.7-mile loop. Fully stocked aid.
Our aid stations will make every effort to limit waste. Cups will be limited to soft drinks and hot soups or drinks. Because of this all runners must carry a bottle or hydration pack. This is not optional.
Note: we will do our best to provide you with a variety of food options throughout your race, however, all items listed here may be not available each trip through. Please understand and adjust to what is available at the time you visit. We cannot accommodate special dietary needs for each of our runners. If you have a special requirement, please be sure to keep it in your drop bag or with a crew member.
Aid stations may have the following food and drink options:
Water, Tailwind, Pop, miscellaneous hot drinks
Hot soups, broth, quesadillas, peanut butter sandwiches, chips, and more
Note: we will do our best to provide you with a variety of food options throughout your race, however, all items listed here may be not available each trip through. Please understand and adjust to what is available at the time you visit. We cannot accommodate special dietary needs for each of our runners. If you have a special requirement, please be sure to keep it in your drop bag or with a crew member.
RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Early Packet Pickup: Friday 2:00-6:00 pm at the lodge (Start/Finish)
Packet Pickup Race Day (100 & Half): 3:45-4:30 am
Pre-race Announcements: 4:45 am
Race Start Times 100M, 101K (1st leg) and Half:
5:00 am
Packet Pickup Race Day (50M) : 6-8:30 pm
Pre-race Announcements: 8:45 pm
Race Start Times 50M, 101k (2nd leg):
9:00 pm
Final Cutoff for 100, 101K, and 50 miles:
Sunday at 3 p.m.