Loud Thunder 50
- Date Sat 18th April 2026
- Location Illinois City, Illinois
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Loud Thunder 50 on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at the stunning Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, Rock Island. This highly anticipated trail racing event offers three challenging distances: a grueling 50-mile ultra, a demanding 50K, and a scenic half marathon, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mississippi River.
Runners of all levels will appreciate the well-organized, low-key atmosphere that prioritizes your experience on the trails. With fully stocked aid stations, custom finisher awards, and delicious post-race food and drinks, every detail is designed to enhance your adventure. Plus, a portion of your registration fee goes towards park conservation efforts, ensuring that this beautiful area remains pristine for future generations. Camping is available right at the start/finish line at Horse Corral Campground, making it easy for participants to immerse themselves in this outdoor community. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy nature at its finest!
Runners of all levels will appreciate the well-organized, low-key atmosphere that prioritizes your experience on the trails. With fully stocked aid stations, custom finisher awards, and delicious post-race food and drinks, every detail is designed to enhance your adventure. Plus, a portion of your registration fee goes towards park conservation efforts, ensuring that this beautiful area remains pristine for future generations. Camping is available right at the start/finish line at Horse Corral Campground, making it easy for participants to immerse themselves in this outdoor community. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy nature at its finest!
Organiser's Description
Welcome to the Loud Thunder 50 presented by Sun Trail Running!
Please join us Saturday, April 18th 2026 for 50mi, 50k and 1/2 marathon trail races on the rugged, beautiful and challenging trails at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve along the mighty Mississipppi River.
Our hope is to showcase this amazing park all while providing a low key trail race experience for those looking for a challenging but rewarding late spring ultra. Our commitment is to provide the highest value event possible by keeping the cost low and the focus on the runner, the trails and this great outdoor community. Your registration fee covers all the race basics as well as custom swag, fully stocked aid stations, custom finisher awards, post-race food and drink and a guaranteed donation back to the park to help ensure future maintenance and conservation efforts.
Camping is available right at the start/finish (Horse Corral Campground) and throughout the park at a number of campgrounds. One of those campgrounds is located along the course right near the primary on-course aid station (Riverview). Reservations can be made beginning March 1st through the park at: Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Camping.
There is a 2 night minimum for online reservations. Unreserved campsites are available on a first come first serve basis with only a 1 night minimum. If you decide to camp during the race, please review and abide by all park rules and policies.
WHEN & WHERE
The 50mi starts at 6am, the 50k at 8am and the half marathon at 9am with an 8pm final cutoff for all race distances. 14hrs (50mi), 12hrs (50k), 11hrs (half marathon).
The start/finish is located at the Horse Corral Campground. Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hDMQDMD5qiJd5GTEA
Park address in Google: 19408 Loud Thunder Rd, Illinois City, IL 61259
Coordinates will get you directly to the start/finish: 41.421726, -90.834335
Coming in from either the east or west on Loud Thunder Road, turn south off of Loud Thunder road and continue south on the park road following signs for the Horse Corral Campground.
Please join us Saturday, April 18th 2026 for 50mi, 50k and 1/2 marathon trail races on the rugged, beautiful and challenging trails at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve along the mighty Mississipppi River.
Our hope is to showcase this amazing park all while providing a low key trail race experience for those looking for a challenging but rewarding late spring ultra. Our commitment is to provide the highest value event possible by keeping the cost low and the focus on the runner, the trails and this great outdoor community. Your registration fee covers all the race basics as well as custom swag, fully stocked aid stations, custom finisher awards, post-race food and drink and a guaranteed donation back to the park to help ensure future maintenance and conservation efforts.
Camping is available right at the start/finish (Horse Corral Campground) and throughout the park at a number of campgrounds. One of those campgrounds is located along the course right near the primary on-course aid station (Riverview). Reservations can be made beginning March 1st through the park at: Loud Thunder Forest Preserve Camping.
There is a 2 night minimum for online reservations. Unreserved campsites are available on a first come first serve basis with only a 1 night minimum. If you decide to camp during the race, please review and abide by all park rules and policies.
WHEN & WHERE
The 50mi starts at 6am, the 50k at 8am and the half marathon at 9am with an 8pm final cutoff for all race distances. 14hrs (50mi), 12hrs (50k), 11hrs (half marathon).
The start/finish is located at the Horse Corral Campground. Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hDMQDMD5qiJd5GTEA
Park address in Google: 19408 Loud Thunder Rd, Illinois City, IL 61259
Coordinates will get you directly to the start/finish: 41.421726, -90.834335
Coming in from either the east or west on Loud Thunder Road, turn south off of Loud Thunder road and continue south on the park road following signs for the Horse Corral Campground.
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19408 Loud Thunder Rd., Illinois City, 61259, IL, United States
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Loud Thunder 50
