Built in 1892 by the Norfolk & Western Railway, the Dingess Tunnel stretches nearly one mile beneath the rugged mountains of Mingo County, West Virginia. Constructed through solid rock using black powder and hand labor, the project claimed the lives of numerous workers and became one of the region’s most challenging engineering feats.

During its years of operation, the tunnel witnessed multiple railroad tragedies, including fatal train wrecks in 1898 and 1905. Its remote location also placed it at the center of the turbulent years that helped shape Mingo County’s legendary reputation. Stories of outlaws, ambushes, and the lawless days of Appalachia have surrounded the tunnel for generations, making it one of West Virginia’s most intriguing historic landmarks.

Today, runners have the rare opportunity to experience this remarkable piece of Appalachian history firsthand as they race through a tunnel that has stood for more than 130 years—where history, folklore, and adventure meet beneath the mountain.