TutHell 50K

The TutHell 50K is a unique, community-focused endurance event held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Tut Hill in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This race departs from traditional registration models, requiring participants to submit an essay detailing their motivation to run. Selected runners receive an exclusive invitation to register. Instead of a fixed entry fee, the event operates on a "Free Will Donation" basis, where all proceeds are split between the charities chosen by the male and female champions. The fundraising goal for the 2026 edition is set at $10,000.

Event Detail	Information
Date & Time	Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 6:00 AM
Location	Tut Hill (3500 S Cliff Ave), Sioux Falls, SD
Course Format	100 repetitions of a 0.31-mile loop
Total Elevation	~9,000 ft gain / ~9,000 ft loss
Time Limit	12 Hours

The course geography is deceptively punishing. Runners must navigate a 0.31-mile grassy loop 100 times to reach the 50K distance. Each lap involves approximately 90 feet of vertical ascent and 90 feet of descent, totaling nearly 9,000 feet of elevation change over the course of the day. Trekking poles are permitted to help manage the repetitive steep grades. In early May, South Dakota weather can vary significantly, with average highs around 19°C (66°F), though morning starts are often much cooler. The repetitive nature of the "up and down" on grass requires high mental fortitude and stable footwear to handle the consistent impact on the joints. Logistically, the race emphasizes fellowship over competition; all entrants are asked to remain on-site until the final runner finishes or reaches the 12-hour cutoff. A fully stocked aid station is provided at the top of the hill near the storm shelter, and runners are required to bring one support person to assist them. The essay submission window for the 2026 race runs from December 1, 2025, to April 22, 2026. Current course records from the inaugural 2025 event are held by Jefferey Pratt (5:14:09) for the men and are the benchmark for future participants. Donations are processed through Falls Area Singletrack (FAST), acting as the fiscal sponsor for the charitable proceeds.