The American Bottoms 100, set for March 21, 2026, in Columbia, Illinois, invites ultrarunners to experience a truly distinctive "no frills" event along the historic Mississippi River. This race offers two challenging distances: a 110-mile out-and-back and a 55-mile point-to-point course, both renowned for their flat and fast profile, making them ideal for a first hundred-miler or a personal record attempt. Runners will traverse a scenic route that is 76% levees (mostly gravel with some paved sections and minimal traffic) and 24% paved back roads, soaking in views of the Illinois bluffs and passing through significant historical sites such as Piggott's Fort, Fort de Chartres, and the town of Prairie du Rocher. The 110M boasts an approximate 1,400 feet of elevation gain, while the 55M features around 700 feet, both manageable for those seeking speed or a less technical ultra.

The event headquarters and finish line are conveniently located at the Sunset Overlook Bar & Bistro in Columbia, which also serves as the start for the 110-mile race. The 55-mile journey commences at the Kaskaskia River Project Campground, with shuttle services provided for runners from the finish area. Participants can expect generous cutoff times—34 hours for the 110M and 15 hours for the 55M—and a well-supported experience with 17 aid stations for the 110-mile course and 8 for the 55-mile route. Pacers are permitted for 110M runners from mile 55 onwards at designated aid stations. Typical race day conditions in late March bring highs around 60F and lows around 39F, with a modest 17% chance of precipitation, offering pleasant running weather as you chase the sunrise over the bluffs.

Beyond the physical challenge, the American Bottoms 100 immerses runners in a landscape rich with history, loosely following the American Discovery Trail and the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, Illinois' first road. This area, known as the American Bottom, has a deep heritage from Indigenous Mississippian cultures to French colonial settlements. With its supportive community and "friendly atmosphere," this event offers not just a race, but an engaging historical journey through a unique Illinois landscape.