Mines of Spain 100
Race facts
- Start time
- 8:00 AM
- Distances
- 100 Miler, 100K
- Terrain
- Trail
- Elevation gain
- 8,400 m
- Cutoff
- 23 hours (100k), 33 hours (100mi)
- Organizer
- Sun Trail Running
- Registration
- Open
From the official race website, checked 2026-10-12. Official page
External Event
Distance
62.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Challenging
About this run
The Mines of Spain 100 is a challenging ultra-marathon set in the scenic driftless region of eastern Iowa, near the Mississippi River valley. This event takes runners through the beautiful bluffs, prairies, and forests of the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. The course is a ~20-mile loop that starts and finishes in Louis Murphy Park, with the majority of the miles spent on an expansive network of dirt, grass, and rock trails. Each loop includes short pavement sections to connect different parts of the course, offering runners a diverse trail experience. Participants will encounter stunning views of the Mississippi River, traverse the iconic Horseshoe Bluff, and enjoy panoramic vistas of grass prairies and dense hardwood forests. The trails vary from steep and technical to flat single track and rolling grassy sections, providing a comprehensive test of endurance and trail running skill.
Who it's for
This event is designed for experienced ultra-marathoners looking for a challenging 100K or 100-mile race with significant elevation gain and varied terrain.
What to expect
- Packet pickup is available on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 6:00 AM at Louis Murphy Park.
- The race starts at 8:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- The course consists of approximately 20-mile loops with a mix of dirt, grass, and rock trails, including some short pavement sections.
- Be prepared for varied terrain, including steep and technical sections, flat single track, and rolling hills.
- Weather in Iowa in October can be unpredictable; check the forecast and pack layers accordingly.
Good to know
- Camping or runner setup is not permitted on Thursday evening.
- The race is part of the No Coast Trail Series.
- Free photos of runners will be available from Mile 90 Photography shortly after the event.
Typical conditions
For events around October 2026 in Dubuque, United States: Typical autumn conditions in this region — conditions can change quickly; confirm race-day guidance on the official page.
How to prepare
Trail events reward time on uneven surfaces and hills. Practice footing and bring the shoes and hydration the organizer recommends — details vary by race.
Find races near youGetting there
This event is listed in Dubuque, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mines of Spain 100?+
The Mines of Spain 100 is an ultra-marathon event offering 100-mile and 100-kilometer distances, held in Dubuque, Iowa.
When is the Mines of Spain 100?+
The race is scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026.
Where does the race take place?+
The event is located in Dubuque, Iowa, utilizing the Mines of Spain Recreation Area and Louis Murphy Park.
What are the distances offered?+
The event offers a 100-mile and a 100-kilometer (100K) race.
What is the course like?+
The course is approximately 20 miles per loop, featuring a mix of dirt, grass, and rock trails through bluffs, prairies, and forests, with some short pavement sections.
What are the time limits for the races?+
The time limit for the 100-mile race is 33 hours, and for the 100K race, it is 23 hours.
How do I register?+
Registration is available through the official UltraSignup page: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131474
When does registration close?+
Registration closes on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 12:00 AM.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
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