The Hennepin Hundred

The Hennepin Hundred The historic Hennepin Canal trail Flat & Fast!

100 mile trail race on the Hennepin Canal Trail, Illinois - 30 hour cutoff
Proud to be a Western States Qualifier race
50 mile race
50k
100 mile relay- 5 person
We are always the first weekend of October
Point to point race

04/11/2026

Super cool video about Rock Falls. This is where the Hennepin Canal State Park trail begins.

♥
01/12/2026

The secret to running 100 miles…

is actually walking.

I’m not a running expert.

But I’ve been running almost every day for over 35 years.

And the one thing that’s kept me in the game?

Run-Walk-Run.

I learned it from a man named Jeff Galloway nearly 20 years ago.

Now I use it for everything… from daily runs to 100-mile races.

At Hennepin 100, we ran 6 minutes, walked 4.

Finished in under 24 hours.

51st place out of 200.

No injuries. No burnout. Just forward motion.

Today I use a 7:3 rhythm.

Run 7 minutes.

Walk 3.

Repeat.

But you can start at 1:1 if you’re new.

Walk a minute. Jog a minute.

Just get out the door.

The benefits?

- Delays fatigue
- Speeds up recovery
- Lowers injury risk
- Breaks the run into digestible bites
- Makes running sustainable

It’s not about ego.

It’s about finishing strong.

And showing up again tomorrow.

Don’t overthink your pace.

Just move.

And trust that motion creates momentum.

History buffs love the Hennepin Canal State Park. Here’s an interesting photo from when the canal was being built.You’ll...
12/18/2025

History buffs love the Hennepin Canal State Park. Here’s an interesting photo from when the canal was being built.

You’ll notice several bridges crossing the canal. This area has always been a strong farming community, and when the canal was constructed, many farmers suddenly found their fields split in half. The bridges weren’t just decorative. They were essential, allowing farmers to move equipment, livestock, and themselves from one side of their land to the other.

It’s a great reminder that this beautiful trail we run today was built with purpose, practicality, and a whole lot of hard work.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Enjoy Illinois

While today's Throwback Thursday picture is a cool historic shot, unfortunately, we don't have any information on its location or the year it was taken.

Runners, make sure your crew knows to swing by Paxton's Corner Coop in Annawan, IL on race day, or anytime you’re passin...
12/14/2025

Runners, make sure your crew knows to swing by Paxton's Corner Coop in Annawan, IL on race day, or anytime you’re passing through. This family-owned bakery and ice cream shop sits right near Aid Station 7/14 and just a quick hop from Aid Station 15.

They were open today in below-zero temps with a line wrapped around the building… it’s that good! Support local!

You guys never disappoint! 😂

OMR Coach LindsayLindsay has done it all — keynote speaker, 100-mile finisher, crew and pacer, and coach to countless ru...
11/21/2025

OMR Coach Lindsay

Lindsay has done it all — keynote speaker, 100-mile finisher, crew and pacer, and coach to countless runners who’ve crossed the Hennepin finish line.

Her deep experience on this course makes her an incredible choice to guide you toward your own Hennepin victory.

Here she is getting a boost from our amazing volunteers during a low moment… and then going on to finish as the 3rd overall female. That’s the grit, experience, and heart she brings to every athlete she coaches.

Learn more about Lindsay at Trailrun.coach

Jenny Thorsen's photos are live! John Knepper's photos coming soon!Free to download for social media use. You can purcha...
10/18/2025

Jenny Thorsen's photos are live! John Knepper's photos coming soon!

Free to download for social media use. You can purchase prints from the photographers.

Sweet "Henny" had a vet appointment today. He tried to hide, but somehow he was found. ***He is being well fed, loved, a...
10/16/2025

Sweet "Henny" had a vet appointment today. He tried to hide, but somehow he was found.

***He is being well fed, loved, and getting the medical attention he needs. Henny will soon get the home he deserves with a family that loves him and is committed to him.

A Lullaby for Kalaby The Music of Cory ReeseOur hearts are with Ryan and Amanda Steiner at the passing of their beautifu...
10/07/2025

A Lullaby for Kala
by The Music of Cory Reese

Our hearts are with Ryan and Amanda Steiner at the passing of their beautiful daughter, Kala. The Steiner family is woven into the heart of the Ornery Mule Racing community, and their love for the Hennepin Hundred has touched us all.

Kala was extraordinary. She became the first person to finish the Hennepin 50k in a wheelchair, pushed by her father Ryan. She trained all year so she could ride for the distance and then take those final steps to the finish line on her own. The joy she brought to the trail, to our community, and to everyone who knew her will continue to live on.

Please join us in sending love, prayers, and strength to Ryan, Amanda, and all who loved Kala. Her spirit is forever part of the trail.

I composed this song as an attempt to bring a moment of peace to my friends Ryan and Amanda, and their sweet young daughter Kala who just entered hospice car...

How cool of UltraRunning Magazine to highlight Hennepin Hundred this week! Featuring a Jenny Thorsen photo!
10/07/2025

How cool of UltraRunning Magazine to highlight Hennepin Hundred this week! Featuring a Jenny Thorsen photo!

This weekend's ultramarathon results include Saddles 100, DC Peaks 50, Hennepin Hundred, and Arkansas Traveler 100.

Address

Hennepin Canal Trail, Sinnissippi Park
Sterling, IL
61081

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Hennepin Hundred posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Hennepin Hundred:

Share