Your First or Your Fastest 100

As of October 2nd, we were informed by the National Park Service that, due to the ongoing government shutdown, we will not be permitted to use the Towpath within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This new directive contradicts previous guidance we received just a week ago.

In response, the Race Committee has met and quickly developed a solid alternative plan. The race will proceed, but due to the limited timeline, securing new permits and insurance elsewhere is not feasible. Therefore, we will utilize only the portions of the Towpath south of CNVP, for which we already hold permits.

Revised Course Plan

We will run a 33.34-mile back and forth section of the towpath around Akron, repeated three times. The start and finish will remain at Canal Place/Missing Falls Brewery as originally planned.

• Runners will head south to Wolf Creek Aid Station, turn around, then go north past a designated point beyond Second Sole Aid Station, then turn back to Missing Falls Aid Station.
• This will be repeated three times.
• You will only return to the Start/Finish area at mile 100; otherwise, you will remain on the Towpath throughout the race.

Though the route repeats, the section of the Towpath used is scenic and engaging

Logistics and Support

• There will be a single drop bag location at Missing Falls Aid Station, simplifying logistics for runners, crews, and volunteers.
• All support and resources will be consolidated to maximize runner aid, improve crew planning, and ensure good crew access to runners.
• The race will still qualify as a Western States Qualifier, though it will not be USATF-certified.
• Cutoffs will only apply during the final repeat.

A Note from the Race Committee

We understand these changes may be disappointing, and we share your frustrations. However, these circumstances are entirely beyond our control. The Race Committee—an incredible group of volunteers—has chosen to meet this challenge with flexibility and a positive outlook. We ask that you do the same.

Given the complexity of organizing a 100-mile race, this plan is final, regardless of whether the government shutdown ends before race day. We must move forward now to ensure a successful event.

If you're unhappy with these changes, you may defer your entry to next year. We encourage you to voice concerns to your congressional representatives, as this situation stems from federal decisions. Please know that CNVP staff are not at fault—they initially supported us running through the shutdown but were later directed otherwise from higher authorities.

Next Steps

Please read the updated details below and download the Aid Station Distance document from our website.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. We’re committed to delivering a first-rate race despite the challenges.