I needed a race that will help me with Indiana for my 50 states marathon quest for the 2nd time…read morearound. I found this one: Glacial Esker 24/12/6 ultra in Albion. Nice!
There wasn't many options for people like me who are at the back of the pack and need more time to complete your standard marathon. I've done over 120 marathons/ultras within the last 17 years, so my pace was the first to go when you do a lot of them in a short amount of time. For the choices in Indiana, I was limited but thankfully, there was one that fit the bill. The Glacial Esker timed ultra race was in its 2nd year in 2024, so it was good to schedule Indiana this year instead of waiting. Registration was done online thru runsignup, requires a credit card, and that's where they post the race results there too. Prices can be high but when you have a goal, you'd budget accordingly and look forward to the training and race day in Albion, Indiana. With that said, they had packet pick up the evening before, so my friend and I decided to do that before race morning. Fast forward to race morning, we arrived at the race at 7:10am and there was plenty of parking. Arriving later would mean less parking. The Race started at 8am and consisted of an approximate 3.55 mile loop around Chain O Lakes state park here in Albion. The course was clearly marked. There was a race briefing by the race director 10 minutes prior to the start and we all gathered in a large circle. After that, the 24 hr / 12 hr racers started en mass. It was going to be a beautiful day, although it rained earlier in the morning. We were blessed with muddy trails that morning and I unfortunately took a spill on a particular hill. Thankfully, that area dried out as the day went on and I didn't fall after that.
Trails make things interesting, fun, and challenging at the same time. These ultra races have a laid back atmosphere, where you can certainly go at your own pace and enjoy the course. Glacier Esker 24 / 12 hr ultra provides ample supply of energy, inspiration and the can do attitude that makes these events a success. As the day went on, we looped around one of the Chain O Lakes state park's trail system and thankful that it didn't rain during the day. however, I was told that it rained in the overnight hours, which made the trail very very wet. The race had a race Director, which was excellent and making sure everything was top-notch and ready to go. There was plenty of volunteers at the aid stations. and there was finishers Metals for people who have done the marathon distance or greater within the 24 hour limit. for the most part, though, the scenery along the course was great, and the race itself was very good. I took part in the 12 hour race, which was good for me because I did not want to be falling around in the dark in the rain if I had a head lamp with me. The aid Station was stocked with anything and everything trail runner would need during their race. Very thankful for those volunteers who helped out during the overnight hours. I know I did not do the 24 hours, but still appreciative of these volunteers.
These 24 hour endurance races presents a distinct and definitive challenge that many of us inspired to. You can go as fast or slow as you like within the 24 hours you're given. The price is here are pretty good although long as you go more expensive, it can be. Registration is held exclusively online and best pricing is basically the earlier you sign up the better before race weekend. Glacial Esker 24 / 12 / 6 hr endurance run is staged at the Chain O Lakes state park in Albion, Indiana. It is tentatively held annually late April, but it can be changed. Each loop is timed, so each participant's race bib gets timed / scored when they go through the timing arch and their distance gets properly recorded. I certainly love the views, especially the ones along the lake. There's also a small out and back section for those who want to do extra mileage. 1/2 hour before the 6 hr, 12 hr, or 24 hr event ends, they set up a small out and back to gain extra mileage in case you can't make another 3.55 mile loop before the end of your event. It was fun and challenging. I ended up having to do this to meet my mileage goal. If it wasn't for the muddy course that day, I would have had to do that. But I made it. And so, if you are dipping your toes into the ultra running world or need Indiana for the 50 states challenge, consider this one for Indiana. It's close to South Bend / Fort Wayne Indiana airports, but you'd have to drive to get to the race venue. It was fun and maybe I'll return in the future.
5.0 stars for the overall experience.
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