Start and Timing
The race begins Friday, November 20th at 5:00 PM at the East Portal of the Sideling Hill Tunnel near Pennsylvania's smallest incorporated borough, Valley-Hi (Pop. 7) 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 by the runner indicating a completed lap on a scoreboard at the East Portal. Failure to register at either end will result in that lap not counting.
Course and Distance
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Tunnel length: 1.2845 miles (one way)
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Format: Out-and-back
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Required laps: 63 out-and-backs
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Total distance: Just over 160 miles
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Surface: Concrete
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Time limit: 48 hours
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Required finishing pace: 18:00 per mile (average)
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Lighting: None — headlamps are mandatory at all times
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Other aids: Headphones or personal audio devices are not permitted
Aid, Crew and Rest
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A single aid station and porta-john are located at the East Portal, referred to as The Service Plaza
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No crews are permitted; all runners are fully unsupported
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Runners may rest or sleep in the designated area near the East Portal, with the following restrictions:
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No RVs
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No vehicles
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No tents
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No enclosed structures of any kind
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If you sleep, you sleep exposed. Jackets, blankets, and sleeping bags are permitted. There will be a large event tent to sleep under in case of rain or snow.
Race Structure
This is not a “most laps in 48 hours” event.
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The race winner is the first runner to complete all 63 laps (160 miles)
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The course closes 48 hours after the start
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Any runner who has not completed all 63 laps within the time limit will be recorded as a DNF
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After penalties are accumulated, runners can have a finish time beyond the 48-hours.
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There is no partial credit for incomplete distances
Qualifications and Participant Cap​
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All participants must complete an application, which will be reviewed by the race directors for entry consideration.
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While we will consider any applicant who makes a strong case for their abilities and preparedness, priority will be given to runners with demonstrated extreme endurance experience, as this reduces subjectivity in the selection process.
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We strongly recommend that applicants have completed at least one 100-mile ultramarathon, backyard ultra, FKT, or comparable extreme endurance event within three years of the registration date. Applicants with this experience will be weighted more heavily during the selection process.
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The event is limited to 96 participants.
Pricing and Toll Structure
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This event uses a Flat + Psychological Flex pricing model. Registration is referred to as a toll.
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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.
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Runners who do not finish for any reason will forfeit their toll, which will be retained by the race.
Refund Guarantee
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Refund Guarantee is an optional UltraSignup (our registration platform) feature powered by Spot. It allows participants to cancel their race registration for any reason.
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Participants who purchase Refund Guarantee may cancel their registration up to 24 hours before the event and receive 80% of their registration fee back.
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Refund Guarantee is offered through Spot via UltraSignup and is subject to their terms and conditions.
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If runners choose not to use the Refund Guarantee, can use the 50% refund normally offered by ESTEA races until November 10th.