Summary: The course is a 20 mile loop (approximately 1200 ft/mile of gain per loop), with a mixture of wide and narrow trails, from rolling hills, dirt, and off-camber grass sections, and very little road running. Located in Chain O’Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana, the terrain and woods provides protection from the wind, and past years have seen rain. Race distances include 100 mile, 100k, and 50 mile options.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

As with most courses, if it rains, expect slick, muddy terrain, especially being a loop course where runners are going over the terrain multiple times
Be sure to have a change of clothes for the nighttime loops, especially if it’s been raining, as temps will drop
Again, if it’s wet, have changes of shoes and socks and be prepared to fix blisters or the other problems that arise from very wet feet
Loop courses have their own special mental tactics – be ready with a plan for mentally getting through 5 laps
If it rains, be ready for wading through water, as deep as thigh deep!
Be ready with a plan for what you need heading into the start/finish aid station if your crew and/or drop bag is there. That way you have something to think about while running, and you don’t waste too much time at the aid station, and you (hopefully) don’t forget something, like leaving without a headlamp on a loop where it will get dark.

Elevation

Total gain/loss:

100m: 6,000/6,000

100k: ~3,600/3,600

Ft/mile gain: 60

Total climbs: Rolling course featuring climbs of 20-80 feet throughout

Course Map/Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 5 per loop

Furthest distance apart: 5.3 miles

Locations: Miles 3, 7.7, 12.1, 17.4, finish line

What’s available: Typical aid station fare, an assortment of hot and cold food, as well as water, electrolyte drinks, and carbonated beverages, along with some gels. Bring your own specialty food if you need it.