Thunder Run 2027
The Thunder Run is more than an endurance event. It's a test of grit, determination, and shared purpose. Inspired by the GWOT 100 and the 15-year legacy of the Taji 100, The Thunder Run brings together runners, ruckers, veterans, and everyday athletes to push their limits while honoring those who served during the Global War on Terror.
After an incredible inaugural event in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, The Thunder Run is heading to Texas in 2027!
On February 6–7, 2027, athletes will take on a scenic 4.1-mile trail loop at the Land Heritage Institute in San Antonio, competing in 6-hour, 12-hour, or 24-hour individual events or a 24-hour relay. Whether you're chasing a personal record, tackling your first ultra, or competing with teammates, the challenge is simple: complete as many loops as possible and discover how far you can go.
Every mile has meaning. The Thunder Run proudly supports Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), with 100% of event proceeds benefiting programs that enrich veterans' lives through fitness and community. This event wouldn't be possible without our incredible sponsors and partners, including Black Rifle Coffee Co., GORUCK, GovX, Soffe, and Relentless Running Co., who share our commitment to this mission.
Your distance. Your challenge. A mission bigger than yourself.
Choose your event, claim your spot, and join us in San Antonio. Don't just test your limits, make every mile matter.
REGISTER TODAY.
Thunder Run Kickoff Party, Sponsor Expo & Spaghetti Dinner
Kick off Thunder Run weekend on Friday, February 5, at VFW Post 76 in downtown San Antonio for an afternoon and evening of great food, incredible partners, and community—all in support of our veterans!
Starting at 12:00 PM, join us for packet pickup and the Thunder Run Sponsor Expo, featuring Black Rifle Coffee Co., GORUCK, Soffe, GOVX, Relentless Running Co., and more! All runners, volunteers, spectators, and supporters are welcome. We strongly encourage participants to pick up their race packets on Friday.
At 5:00 PM, the festivities continue with a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at VFW Post 76, known as "The Oldest Post in Texas." Every registered runner receives one dinner ticket included with their registration, and additional tickets are available for purchase at checkout. We invite all athletes and spectators to join us in the pre-race party that will include live music, food, and local beverages.
Dinner will begin around 6:00p, with live music starting around 7:00p. This promises to be a great time and we look forward to seeing everyone there!
Silent auction winners will be notified by email on Sunday, February 7, following the race.
100% of proceeds from the dinner and silent auction benefit VFW Post 76 and Team RWB.
Don't just show up for the race—be part of the entire Thunder Run experience! Bring your crew, grab extra dinner tickets, and come ready to support our veterans, connect with the community, and kick off an unforgettable weekend.
Event Timing & Tracking
At The Thunder Run, participants will use a unique patch system to track their progress on the 4.1-mile course. After completing each loop, athletes will earn a patch to mark another lap completed and another challenge overcome.
As the hours pass and the miles accumulate, these patches become more than a way to track distance. They become a visible representation of your grit, perseverance, and determination. Whether you're competing in the 6-hour, 12-hour, or 24-hour event, or contributing to a relay team, every patch represents 4.1 miles earned through effort.
Team Rules for Relay
• Only one team member may be on course at any time.
• The active runner must finish their loop, check in, and place their patch before the next
runner can depart.
• Order of runners may change at any time.
• All exchanges must happen only in the start area.
• Rule violations result in a warning, then potential DQ.
Additional Details
Parking & Non Participants:
There will be parking available for all non-participants. We kindly ask that each non-runner makes a $5 donation to the Land Heritage Institute.
RV & Camping:
There are 8, 30-amp RV hookups available this year! These spaces are only $35 for the weekend, and will go fast. You can reserve your spot here when you sign up for the race.
Tent Space and Rental
Tent space is available if you want to bring your own. If you would rather rent one from us, you can add it to your race registration.
Restrooms:
Restrooms will be available to all participants and non-participants throughout the entire event.
Food:
The Thunder Run will have some food and hydration available for participants but all participants should not plan on this as their only food source for the event. All participants are encouraged to bring their own food, nutrition, and hydration.
Run of Show
Friday, February 5, 2027 - Sponsor & Vendor Expo, Packet Pickup, and Spaghetti Dinner
Location: VFW Post 76
12:00p - 9:00p - Packet Pickup & Vendor Expo
6:00p - 9:00p - Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction (open to the public)
7:00p - 8:30p - Live Music begins
Saturday, February 6th - Race Day
Location: Land Heritage Institute
8:00a - Gates Open at Land Heritage Institute (parking, runner sign-in, camp setup, etc)
8:00a - Last Bus Departs VFW 76 to Land Heritage Institute (arrives ~8:45a)
9:45a - Mandatory Pre-Race Briefing & National Anthem
10:00a - 24 Hour, 12 Hour, and 6 Hour Events Begin
4:00p - 6 Hour Event Concludes
4:45p - Transportation Departs Land Heritage Institute for VFW 76 (arrives ~5:30p)
10:00p - 12 Hour Event Concludes
11:00p - Transportation Departs Land Heritage Institute for VFW 76 (arrives ~11:45p)
February 7th, 2027
10:00a - 24 Hour Event Concludes
10:15a - Awards Ceremony
11:00a - Transportation Departs Land Heritage Institute for VFW 76 (arrives ~11:45a)
Please note: transportation to and from the event is limited. If you believe you may require transportation to and/or from the event, please confirm that during the registration process.
Awards & Giveaways
Giveaways:
Each participant will receive a custom commemorative Relentless Running Co. performance pullover ($92 value) as well as additional gifts from our sponsors and partners. Additionally, there may be larger giveaways announced closer to the event upon which all participants will be entered. (We gave away a commercial NordicTrack treadmill in 2026)
Belt Buckles:
Commemorative Belt Buckles will be awarded to any athlete who completes 100 miles during the 24 hour event.
Team RWB: Honoring the Past. Building a Stronger Future.
For more than 15 years, the Taji 100 has represented the power of fitness, camaraderie, and shared purpose. What began in 2010 as a 100-mile challenge among American service members stationed at Camp Taji, Iraq, grew into a nationwide movement that brought thousands of participants together while raising more than $500,000 to support Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) and its mission to enrich veterans' lives.
Now, as the Taji 100 evolves into the GWOT 100, Team RWB is carrying that legacy forward with the Thunder Run being the in-person kickoff challenge. The challenge honors the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Global War on Terror while encouraging veterans, military families, and civilian supporters to come together through physical activity. For Team RWB, the GWOT 100 represents everything at the heart of its mission: improving veterans' physical and mental well-being, fostering meaningful connections, and strengthening the community that stands behind those who served.
The GWOT 100 is more than a fitness challenge. It's a commitment to never forgetting those who served and ensuring their best days are still ahead. Every participant, every mile, and every dollar raised helps Team RWB continue building a healthier, more connected veteran community.
FAQs
Event Basics:
• What is The Thunder Run? A timed endurance challenge honoring those who served during the Global War on Terror. It grew out of the GWOT 100 and the Taji 100. The first edition ran in Jacksonville Beach in 2026; 2027 moves to San Antonio.
• What events can I enter? 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour individual events, plus a 24-hour relay.
• How far do I have to go? There is no set distance. Complete as many 4.1-mile loops as you can before your time ends.
• Can I walk or ruck instead of run? Yes. Running, walking, and rucking are all welcome.
• Do I need to be a veteran? No. Veterans and civilians are both welcome.
• Is this a good first ultra? Yes. The 6-hour event is a common entry point, and the loop format means you are never far from the start area.
• Where does the money go? 100% of event proceeds go to Team RWB programs for veterans. Dinner and silent auction proceeds go to the VFW and Team RWB.
Course Description & Tracking:
• What is the course like? A 4.1-mile loop on the Land Heritage Institute trail system in South Texas. The trail consists of packed dirt and gravel with some rough terrain, root systems and heavy animal tracking.
• How much climbing should I expect? Each loop contains roughly 98ft of climb and 95ft of descent.
• Does the trail require technical skill? While not overly technical, this is a legitimate open course trail with mixed terrain and non-trivial climbs and descents, you should plan accordingly with trail shoes, socks, nutrition, etc...
• How are laps tracked? After each completed loop you earn a patch. Each patch equals 4.1 miles.
• How many loops for 100 miles? 25 loops (102.5 miles).
Relay:
• How does the relay work? Teams cover as many loops as possible in 24 hours, one runner on course at a time.
What are the rules?
• Only one team member may be on course at any time.
• The active runner must finish the loop, check in, and place their patch before the next runner departs.
• Runner order can change at any time.
• All exchanges happen in the start area only.
• Violations get a warning, then possible disqualification.
Does each runner have to do the same number of loops? No. Order can change freely, so teams decide who goes when.
Event's current local time: 10:49 PM CT
