Updated November 13, 2024
The Glacial Esker Trail Race, held in Albion, Indiana, at the end of April, is part of the renowned Ignite Trail Series and is a 6-12-or 24 hour event. This unique event offers a timed loop-style challenge where runners can choose to run for 6, 12, or even 24 hours, pushing their limits on a beautiful 3.55-mile trail course. The race provides a fantastic opportunity for ultramarathoners and trail enthusiasts to test their endurance while enjoying the scenic Indiana landscape.
Strambecco rates the Glacial Esker 6-12-24 Hour Trail Race as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Midwest and one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in Indiana. This challenging event is known for its strong community support, well-organized logistics, and the camaraderie that makes Ignite Trail Series races so memorable.
Event Course & Info
The Glacial Esker Trail Race follows a 3.55-mile loop through Chain O’ Lakes State Park. This loop-based course combines the beauty of Indiana’s natural landscape with the challenge of trail terrain. Runners will encounter rolling grass paths, technical trail sections, and scenic views that capture the essence of Indiana’s great outdoors. Each loop brings you back to the start-finish line, where a well-stocked aid station provides hydration, energy replenishments, and anything else needed to keep pushing forward. This setup makes it easy for participants to refuel and pace themselves according to their individual goals.
Participants can choose from three different timed events, each with its unique challenges.
24-Hour Challenge: For those looking to go the distance, the 24-hour option allows you to test the true limits of endurance. Starting on Saturday morning, participants will have an entire day to log as many loops as possible, with each completed loop adding to the final mileage. With a dedicated support station at the start-finish line, runners can focus on pacing themselves through the night and make the most of every hour.
12-Hour Run: For runners seeking a full-day experience without the overnight grind, the 12-hour option offers the perfect balance of endurance and pacing. This event is ideal for those who want to push themselves through a long and rewarding effort, whether for mileage goals or personal achievement.
6-Hour Dash: A shorter but intense endurance challenge, the 6-hour option lets runners tackle the trail with a focus on speed and stamina. Perfect for those who want to experience the Glacial Esker’s scenic route and participate in the camaraderie of the Ignite Trail Series while keeping it compact.
To add an extra element of excitement, all participants of the Glacial Esker Trail Race are given a chance to increase their mileage in the final half-hour of each race. During this period, a 1/8-mile out-and-back section of the course opens, allowing runners to rack up additional distance without needing to complete a full loop.
This race does not permit race-day registration, and there are no deferrals, refunds, or transfers. Field size is at the discretion of the race committee, and no waiting list is offered if the event sells out.
Volunteers are a big part of the Ignite Trail Series, adding to the race’s supportive atmosphere, and runners can contact the event organizers if interested in lending a hand.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
There are a variety of lodging options for the Indiana Trail 100 (IT 100). The closest hotel options are in Columbia City and Kendallville, and include the Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express or the Best Western. There are also a few vacation rentals in the area for those that prefer a more home-like experience, from new cabins to lake side cottages.
Also, the park allows free tent camping areas near the start/finish, and Chain O’Lakes has a large campground with electric and primitive sites.
The culinary scene in Albion, Indiana, is charmingly modest but delightfully varied, offering a selection of cozy eateries and restaurants where local flavors and classic American fare dominate the menu. Here, one can experience the warmth of small-town hospitality while enjoying hearty, comforting meals reflective of the town’s rich agricultural heritage and Midwestern roots. Local favorites include Fox Den Coffee Shop, El Mariachi, and One10 West Main.
Albion, Indiana, nestled in the arms of Midwestern charm and nature’s bounty, transforms into a spectacular palette of autumn hues in mid-October, offering a myriad of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and indulge in. From traversing trails blanketed in fallen leaves to exploring serene lakes, Albion provides a tranquil yet thrilling escape for athletes and adventurers alike.
Chain O’Lakes State Park, the host site for the Glacial Esker Trail Race, is worthwhile to explore further. It is home to 11 lakes, interconnected by a unique system, offering numerous hiking, walking, and running trails. Outdoor athletes would relish the chance to navigate through varying terrains, explore the plethora of flora and fauna, and absorb the calming views of the shimmering lakes. Whether opting for a leisurely stroll or a brisk hike, the park’s natural tapestry during fall is a visual and sensory delight, promising enriching experiences and unforgettable memories.
Also, the cluster of lakes in and around Albion provides an ideal setting for various water-based activities. Athletes can engage in kayaking or canoeing, exploring the tranquil waters bordered by the vibrant autumn foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop. Fishing enthusiasts can find solace in the quiet banks, trying their luck for a variety of fish species inhabiting the lakes. The serene ambiance, coupled with the crisp October air, makes every paddle stroke or fishing expedition a refreshing encounter with nature.
Finally, the picturesque countryside around Albion features a network of roads that are suitable for road and gravel biking. The less trafficked, rustic roads provide serene and safe biking experiences, allowing cyclists to enjoy the scenic farmlands, quaint landscapes, and the charming autumn foliage in October. The diversity in the terrains offers both relaxed and challenging rides, catering to bikers of all skill levels.
Related Events
The Ignite Trail Series, created by a dedicated group of ultra-distance runners, launched Indiana's first 100-mile trail race in 2013 at Chain O’Lakes State Park, later evolving into a world-class event with additional race options and dates. Proceeds benefit the park through new trails and equipment purchases, supported by dedicated volunteers. The series features the Indiana Trail 100, Glacial Esker 6-12-24 Hour Race each April and Ignite Trail Marathon in December.
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Indiana and the broader Midwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco’s Best rated event guides.
