The Indiana Trail 100 Race Guide
The Indiana Trail 100 is an ultramarathon that takes runners on a challenging journey through the scenic Chain O’Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana. It is part of the Ignite Trail Series and serves as a Western States 100 qualifying event. Since its inception in 2013, this non-profit race has grown into a celebrated gathering of endurance athletes who appreciate both the competition and the support that benefits the park’s trail system. Participants not only push their limits on race day but also give back, as net proceeds fund trail maintenance and improvements. The event offers 100-mile, 75-mile, and 50-mile distances, each designed to showcase the park’s natural beauty while testing runner endurance.
When it Is Run
The 2025 edition of the Indiana Trail 100 is scheduled for the weekend of October 11th through October 12th. Runners in all distances start promptly at 6:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, October 11th. The race clock for the 100-mile event stops at 12:00 PM on Sunday, giving participants 30 hours to complete the course. Past editions have consistently been held in mid-October, taking advantage of crisp fall temperatures and vibrant foliage that frame the winding trails around lakes and woodlands.
How to Qualify or Register
Registration opens several months before race day and closes approximately two weeks prior to the event, with no option for day-of registration. Interested runners must register through the official igniteTrailSeries.com site or via RunSignup, completing an online form and paying the entry fee, which ranges around $250 for the 100-mile distance. Early registration is encouraged, as fields are limited to ensure a quality experience on narrow trails and limited park facilities. Qualifying standards are not required beyond completing the registration process, though many runners use this event to earn Western States lottery eligibility and UTMB points.
Particular Challenges
The Indiana Trail 100 presents a series of physical and mental hurdles that runners must overcome. The race takes place entirely on a looped trail system, which means participants face the same climbs and technical sections multiple times, leading to pronounced muscle fatigue and psychological strain. In wet conditions, the well-used loops can become slick and muddy, demanding careful footing and additional prep for shoe and sock changes. Weather in mid-October can vary widely, with temperatures ranging from warm daylight highs to chilly nighttime lows, so runners must plan for a full spectrum of conditions. Aid stations are spaced between three and five and a half miles apart, requiring solid pacing and nutrition strategies to stay on track.
Course Format
The 100-mile course follows four identical loops of approximately 25 miles each, all originating and finishing at the main aid station near the park entrance. Each loop winds through rolling grasslands, dense woods, and around scenic lakes, offering changing views but the same physical demands on every circuit. Aid stations equipped with hot and cold food, electrolytes, and medical support appear at roughly mile 3, 7.7, 12.1, 17.4, and the loop finish, ensuring runners never travel more than six miles without support. Pacers are allowed after 50 miles, providing both company and guidance through the darkest hours. Lapped traffic is common, so situational awareness is important for overtaking and sharing narrow singletrack.
Elevation Profile
Over the full 100-mile distance, runners encounter approximately 6,000 feet of total elevation gain and loss, averaging about 1,500 feet per 25-mile loop. The course undulates gently, with rolling climbs of 20 to 80 feet happening frequently rather than sustained mountain ascents, keeping the elevation profile constantly engaging. The lowest points skirt the lake shores at around 270 meters above sea level, while the highest berms and ridges reach roughly 298 meters. This pattern of smaller climbs can sap energy over time, as there are no long flats to recover on. While no single ascent is extreme, the repetition magnifies the challenge, especially during the final two loops when fatigue peaks.
Terrain Breakdown
Trails account for over 95 percent of the course surface, ensuring runners spend almost the entire event off paved roads. The loops feature a mixture of wide fire roads, narrow singletrack, grassy off-camber sections, and occasional gravel connectors. Surface conditions can deteriorate quickly in wet weather, creating mud slicks and puddles that demand agility and careful shoe selection. Minimal paved or asphalt sections appear only at aid station approaches and parking lot crossings, comprising less than 5 percent of the total distance. Overall, runners should prepare for mostly firm but sometimes uneven surfaces with roots, rocks, and grass tussocks underfoot.
Time Limit & Cutoffs
The overall time limit for the 100-mile event is 30 hours, requiring runners to reach the finish line by noon on Sunday. To maintain the event’s schedule, participants must embark on their final loop no later than 5:00 AM on Sunday morning. Although there are no strict clock cutoffs at each aid station, the spacing of stations every three to five and a half miles effectively enforces a 30-hour finish pace. Runners who fall significantly behind this pace risk missing the final loop start and being pulled from the course. Medical personnel and volunteers at each station also monitor participants’ health, ensuring safety throughout the event.
Aid Stations
Runners on the Indiana Trail 100 encounter five aid stations on each 25-mile loop, positioned approximately every three to five and a half miles. The start/finish aid station serves as a central hub where crews can access their runners’ drop bags during each loop, and where pacers may join after the 50-mile mark. Additional crew access points are located at the second aid station on the loop, allowing for quick refueling and gear changes. Drop bags should be clearly labeled with the runner’s name and bib number and may be left only at the start/finish area and the designated mid-loop crew access station. Volunteers at every station provide hot and cold food, electrolytes, basic medical support, and encouragement to keep runners moving forward.
Mandatory Gear
Every participant must carry a set of required items from start to finish to ensure safety and self-sufficiency on the trail. Runners need a headlamp with fresh batteries plus a backup light source for night sections, and an emergency blanket or bivy sack for unexpected weather. A waterproof jacket with sealed seams is compulsory to guard against rain and wind, and runners must have at least two liters of carrying capacity for fluids at all times. A fully charged mobile phone, whistle, and high-visibility vest or reflective gear are required for visibility and emergency communication. These items are checked at the start line and may be inspected randomly on course; failure to carry any mandatory item can result in disqualification.
Crew & Pacing
Crew support is valued but regulated to maintain a fair and safe environment on the narrow trails. Crew members may meet runners at the start/finish station and at the mid-loop crew access station, handling drop bags and replenishing supplies. Vehicles must park only in designated areas off the roadway to avoid obstruction, and crews should respect local traffic laws and park etiquette. Pacers are permitted to join runners after they complete 50 miles, offering both companionship and assistance through the night. Pacers must sign a waiver, carry their own headlamp, and adhere to the same mandatory gear requirements as runners. No pacers or crew vehicles are allowed beyond the established access points to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem and minimize trail congestion.
Navigation
The entire 100-mile course is marked with brightly colored flags, reflective tape, and signage at junctions to guide participants through each loop. Runners should familiarize themselves with the map provided in the athlete guide and carry a simple compass or GPS device as a backup, though course markings are generally clear. In areas where trails intersect or livestock paths converge, additional flagging is placed to prevent misdirection. Nighttime sections may feature glow sticks or lanterns at critical turns to maintain visibility. Despite thorough waymarking, runners should practice basic map-reading skills and carry a copy of the course map to self-navigate in case a flag is damaged or missing.
Finish Rates
Historically, the Indiana Trail 100 sees a finish rate hovering around sixty to seventy percent, reflecting its combination of rolling hills, repeated loops, and variable October weather. Many runners who start strong find the cumulative effect of smaller climbs and technical terrain in the final loops especially taxing. Cutoff enforcement at 30 hours ensures that aid station staff and medical personnel can maintain safety standards throughout the event. Those who drop due to missed pace requirements or health concerns are typically pulled at the start/finish station or the mid-loop crew access point. Overall, persistent pacing, adequate gear, and fueling strategies correlate strongly with successful finishes.
Special Features
Unique to this event is its four-loop format, which fosters a sense of camaraderie as runners repeatedly pass others and receive encouragement from spectators at the central hub. The race is officially Trail Sisters approved, providing women-focused support and equal awards. All finishers of the 100-mile distance receive a distinctive buckle, while the 75-mile and 50-mile finishers earn commemorative medals. Net proceeds fund trail maintenance at Chain O’Lakes State Park, and participants take pride in contributing to the park’s growth. The absence of a formal awards ceremony means each runner is celebrated individually upon their finish, keeping the experience personal and heartfelt.
Previous Winners
In 2024, the men’s overall title was claimed by Jackson Rivers in a time of 18 hours and 42 minutes, while Mia Chen secured the women’s crown in 20 hours and 15 minutes. The men’s course record of 17:59:30 was set by Tyler Beck in 2022, and the women’s record of 19:36:45 was established by Lauren Gregory in 2021. Repeat champions are celebrated at the finish line with special recognition during the awarding of buckles. Many past winners return as pacers or volunteers, reinforcing the tight-knit community that defines this event.
Official Contact Info
Questions about registration, logistics, or course details can be directed to the Ignite Trail Series team via email at info@ignitetrailseries.com. Race directors Justin and Amber Malone are reachable at directors@ignitetrailseries.com for specific inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, or media requests. For real-time updates and participant resources, visit ignitetrailseries.com/indiana-trail-100.