The final leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and a qualifier event for the famed Western States 100, the Indiana Trail 100 (IT 100) 2026, an Ignite Trail Series event, was founded and nurtured by a small group of ultra-distance runners to promote and give back to Chain O’Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana. In 2013, the founders put on the first 100-mile ultra in Indiana. The event has since turned into a world-class event with the addition of 75-mile and 50-mile options. Strambecco rates the Indiana Trail 100 (IT 100) 2026 as one of the Best Trail-Running Events in the Midwest.

At the Indiana Trail 100 (IT 100) 2026, participants experience more than just the run; it’s about the scenery, the terrain, and the incredible support from the ultra-runners managing the event. It is a non-profit event, with all the net proceeds funneled back into the maintenance and betterment of the Chain O’Lakes State Park. Over the years, with other local ultra runners’ hard work and dedication, the Ignite Trail Series has helped add 10-12 miles of new trail to the park’s trail system.

Indiana Trail 100 features 100-mile, 75-mile, and 50-mile races, each unraveled in loops within the scenic beauty of the park. The 100-mile race is a distinguished Western States qualifier. Runners are welcomed to picturesque routes encompassing rolling grasslands, challenging trails, abrupt elevations, and panoramic lake views throughout the park.

The 100-mile course is segmented into four 25-mile full wooded trail loops, each with approximately 1,500 feet of elevation gain, totaling around 6,000 feet. The 75 and 50-mile options share a similar loop structure with respective elevations. Runners traverse through technical trails, steep ascents, and exquisite views, reaching aid stations laden with refreshments and medical support spaced 3 to 5.5 miles apart.

Races start on Saturday at 6:00 am and with the following cut-off times:
– The 50-mile race ends at 9:00 pm on Saturday.
– The 75-mile race ends at 5:00 am Sunday.
– The 100-mile race ends at noon on Sunday.

The runners aspiring for the 100-mile glory should embark on their final loop by 5:00 am on Sunday to not be disqualified.

Indiana Trail 100 also prides itself on being a Trail Sisters-approved race, maintaining equality in awards, and facilitating women-specific support at aid stations. Awards are bestowed upon completion, with buckles for 100 miles and medals for 75 and 50 miles. Top performers are acknowledged with first-place overall and age group awards.