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Start and Timing

The race begins Friday, November 20th at 5:00 PM at the East Portal of the Sideling Hill Tunnel near Waterfall, Pennsylvania in Fulton County.

Each runner is issued a bib or ankle bracelet embedded with a radio-frequency identifier (RFID). The race officially begins when a runner first crosses the start detection zone (timing mat) at the East Portal.

From there, runners proceed through the tunnel to the West Portal, where a timing mat records completion of the outbound leg. The runner then returns to the East Portal to complete one full lap.

A lap is only credited if the runner electronically trips the timing mat at both portals. Failure to register at either end will result in that lap not counting.

Course and Distance

  • Tunnel length: 1.2845 miles (one way)

  • Format: Out-and-back

  • Required laps: 63 out-and-backs

  • Total distance: Just over 160 miles

  • Surface: Pavement

  • Time limit: 48 hours

  • Required finishing pace: 18:00 per mile (average)

  • Lighting: None — headlamps are mandatory at all times

  • Other aids: Headphones or personal audio devices are not permitted

Aid, Crew and Rest

  • A single aid station and porta-john are located at the East Portal, referred to as The Service Plaza

  • Runners may leave the tunnel to receive aid only at the East Portal

  • No crews are permitted; all runners are fully unsupported

  • Runners may rest or sleep in the designated crewed area near the East Portal, with the following restrictions:

    • No RVs

    • No vehicles

    • No tents

    • No enclosed structures of any kind

If you sleep, you sleep exposed. Jackets, blankets, and sleeping bags are permitted.

Race Structure

This is not a “most laps in 48 hours” event.

  • The race winner is the first runner to complete all 63 laps (160 miles)

  • The event ends exactly 48 hours after the start

  • Any runner who has not completed all 63 laps within the time limit will be recorded as a DNF

  • There is no partial credit for completed distance

Qualifications and Participant Cap

  • Participants must have completed at least one 100-mile ultramarathon within three years of registration

  • The event is limited to 96 participants

Pricing and Toll Structure

  • This event uses a Flat + Psychological Flex pricing model. Registration is referred to as a toll.

  • Toll: $196.80
    (A nod to 1968, the year the Sideling Hill Tunnel was abandoned)

  • Completion Rebate: $76
    (A reference to Interstate 76. The Pennsylvania Turnpike was incorporated into the Interstate Highway System following the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.)

  • A $76 rebate will be issued to runners who complete all 63 laps (160 miles) within the 48-hour time limit.

  • Runners who do not finish for any reason will forfeit their toll, which will be retained by the race.
     

Refund Guarantee

  • Refund Guarantee is an optional UltraSignup (our registration platform) feature powered by Spot. It allows participants to cancel their race registration for any reason.

  • Participants who purchase Refund Guarantee may cancel their registration up to 24 hours before the event and receive 80% of their registration fee back.

  • Refund Guarantee is offered through Spot via UltraSignup and is subject to their terms and conditions.

Registration Will Open Soon.

© 2025 by Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance 

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