
Loud Thunder 50
Race Date
Apr 18, 2026
Location
Illinois City, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Location
- Illinois City, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 50 Miles, 50K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 174
The Experience
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
19408 Loud Thunder Rd., Illinois City, IL, 61259
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
1 year running
~182 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 5 states
winner 1:40:49
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
41°
Afternoon (High)
58°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
63%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 174 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
174
Median time
3:11:20
Latest turnout
174
States
5
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Loud Thunder 50?
The Loud Thunder 50 is held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Loud Thunder 50 take place?
It takes place in Illinois City, Illinois.
What distances does the Loud Thunder 50 offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 50 Miles, 50K.
Is the Loud Thunder 50 course flat and good for a PR?
The Loud Thunder 50 is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Loud Thunder 50?
HalfRuns has finish records for 174 runners who have completed the Loud Thunder 50.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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