Expected October 2027
Distance
Start Time
Cutoff
Terrain
The Loud Thunder 50 km Race is a spring trail ultra based in Illinois City, Illinois, in the western part of the state near the Quad Cities. The course covers about 13.3 miles and is run primarily as a loop, with a few short stretches of two-way traffic where runners pass one another and can offer encouragement along the way. The 50 km distance starts at 08:00 and runners have up to 12 hours on their feet to reach the finish. The event is put on by Quad Cities Trail & Ultra Runners together with Sun Trail Running, and entries are handled through UltraSignup. The race has been held every April since 2021, with fields of a few dozen runners each year.
Primarily a loop format trail course of about 13.3 miles
Short two-way traffic stretches where runners can encourage each other
Generous 12 hour time limit
Start / Finish
Illinois City, IL, USA
Terrain
Route
Race Day
What you get
On the day
Before you enter
Other questions
The race is scheduled for 17 April 2027, starting at 08:00 in Illinois City, Illinois, USA.
No. The race is not ranking eligible and carries no IAU label. There is no qualifying standard; any runner able to cover the distance within the time limit can enter.
It can be. The course is a looped trail route without extreme mountain terrain, the field is small and friendly, and the 12 hour limit leaves plenty of room for a patient first 50 km.
The race is small. Across all editions from 2021 onwards, 272 runners have finished, 158 men and 114 women, with each year's field numbering roughly thirty to fifty finishers.
The event page does not publish a mandatory kit list. As with any trail ultra, plan on carrying enough fluid and food between aid points, plus a phone and weather-appropriate layers. Check with the organisers before race day for any specific requirements.
Entry fee
Registration isn't open yet. We'll show pricing when the organiser confirms.Illinois City, USA
Expected October 2027
Provisional date, around Oct 1Are you the organiser of 7th Loud Thunder 50 km Race - 50K?
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