Four 25-mile loops through the rolling hardwoods and lakeshore trails of Chain O’Lakes State Park — a Midwest Super Slam leg and Western States 100 qualifier known for deep, dedicated volunteer support.
Quick facts
- Location: Chain O’Lakes State Park, 2355 E 75 S, Albion, IN (start/finish)
- Date: October 9–11, 2026, 6:00 AM start
- Distance: 100 miles — four 25-mile loops
- Website: ignitetrailseries.com/indiana-trail-100
- Contact: kaitlinannwright@gmail.com — Ignite Trail Series
- Registration: Via RunSignUp, opens by December 24 for the following October’s race; the 100-mile field routinely sells out. A Western States 100 qualifier and part of the Midwest Super Slam.
Course description
Four full 25-mile loops through Chain O’Lakes State Park, a mix of wide and narrow singletrack, rolling wooded hills, dirt, and off-camber grass sections, with very little road running. Most of the trail winds around the park’s namesake chain of lakes, delivering panoramic water views alongside dense hardwood forest. Terrain is a rolling course of continuous small climbs of 20–80 feet rather than a few large hills — nothing technical, but relentless across four loops. If it rains, the loop-course format means runners cross the same low, muddy sections repeatedly, and past years have seen thigh-deep standing water on parts of the trail.
Elevation change
Approximately 6,000 feet of cumulative gain/loss for the full 100 miles — roughly 1,500 feet per 25-mile loop, or about 60 feet of gain per mile, all in short rolling climbs of 20–80 feet.
Aid stations
5 aid stations per 25-mile loop (South Park at mile 3, Schoolhouse/hilltop at mile 7.7, Rally at mile 12.1, Schoolhouse again at mile 17.4, and Main Tent at the finish of each loop), with the furthest gap between stations around 5.3 miles. Crew access is available at the start/finish, South Park (mile 3), and Rally (mile 12.1) each loop; the two Schoolhouse stops are not crew-accessible. Pacers are permitted for 100-mile runners after 40 miles.
Special conditions & average temps
Early October in northern Indiana brings cool, changeable weather, and the dense forest cover offers good protection from wind; rain has affected multiple past runnings, turning the loop course slick and muddy on repeat passes. Runners should plan a change of clothes and shoes for the overnight loops, since wet feet on a four-loop course compound quickly.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2025
- Men: 1. Ryan Witko 15:57:34 · 2. Aaron Hamman 16:22:05 · 3. Calvin Isch 16:35:58
- Women: 1. Jamie Harcar 20:34:04
2024
- Men: 1. Evan Perigo 15:54:44 · 2. Brandon Shiflett 16:23:00 · 3. Eric Davis 16:49:01
- Women: 1. Brenda Johnson 21:02:16 · 2. Morgan Benoit 22:36:51 · 3. Alessandra Lembo 23:44:31
2023
- Men: 1. Nate Truckenbrod 17:28:02 · 2. James Solomon 18:28:04 · 3. Matt Ramiller 18:29:53
- Women: 1. Brenda Johnson 20:12:15 · 2. Ashley Haynes 21:34:29 · 3. Mae Barker 22:10:24
Registration deadline & how to get in
Registration for all Indiana Trail 100 distances opens by December 24 each year via RunSignUp, with the 150-, 100-, and 50-mile fields capped at the race committee’s discretion; the 150-mile field has sold out with a waiting list in recent years. No deferrals, refunds, or transfers are offered for any reason, though runners may drop from the 150 to the 100 or 50 miler up to about a month before race day. Indiana Trail 100 is a Western States 100 qualifier and one leg of the Midwest Super Slam.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.