Clinton Trail Ultras 2025!
Howdy trail runners! Welcome back to the 2025 edition of The Clinton Trail Running Ultras! This year we will be hosting two events, a 30-miler which starts at 7am, and a 10-miler starts at 8am. This is a NO CHIP TIMING event, so show up on time!
Shirt deadline is 11:59pm March 2 - if you aren’t registered by then, there is no guarantee of getting a race sweatshirt.
We are part of the 50K MashUp. All 50K Mashup runners will receive a special recognition item at packet pickup. You can find more information on the 50K Mashup (such as participating races and signup links) @ www.terraintrailrunners.com/50k-mashup.html/
Your Clinton Lake Ultra Race Director, Mark Kirkland
Volunteer Requirement
To be honest, I'm up in the air about a MANDATORY volunteer requirement. In the past we have required a minimum of 4 hours of volunteering at another race. The thought was 'if you have time to train (even half heartedly) for a race this long, you have time to help out other runners.' At this time I am considering other bonuses for volunteering, but either way there will be a form close to race day to submit what race you helped at.
Answers to FAQs I have been getting via email on the volunteering: the main thing is I want people to volunteer at a race or do trail work (this could be picking up trash by yourself if you really have no other options).
It is okay if it is a road race but I would prefer a trail race. If that means you need to do it this spring or summer after Clinton because of where you are and availability that is okay as it is on the honor system. You are the one who will have to deal with feeling guilty if you don’t do it, not me :)
If you help from packet pickup to cleanup at a 5k that counts as 4 hours, even if it is not a full 4 hours. And the Race Director at a small race can always use help, especially at the end packing up.
The form will come out closer to race day. Last year, I asked for a story about it or something you learned while volunteering. You will not need to get anything signed by race officials.
Course
Start is at the North Fork Trailhead Parking lot (also known as the boat ramp). It is located here:
google maps link.
Three loops of 10 mile trail through forest, hills, and meadows at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Almost all single-track trail except for small section on road & bridge that connects two sides of the trail loop around the lake. About 1500 feet of elevation gain per loop. This is considered a challenging trail for Central Illinois, and has been used by MANY MANY MANY ultra runners to train for mountainous races in Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Utah, Colorado, and Montana. Two fully stocked aid stations on each loop. Kick off your spring racing season on our beautiful trail!
2025 direction: All runners will be running in the same direction, counterclockwise - short side first!
Schedule and Time Limits
Packet pickup race morning starting at 6:15 for 30 milers and 7:15 for 10 milers. You should plan to start your 3rd loop by 12:15. You must stay ahead of the sweep!
There will be weather-appropriate post race food, so plan to join us for the best part of the race - the afterparty!
No Cups, No Pacers and No Early Starts!
No Cups: you are encouraged to carry a handheld bottle or carry a collapsable cup or flask for liquid fueling at our two aid stations. There are a variety of options out there and most cost less than $10, including shipping. This is to reduce the amount of trash created!
No Pacers: It's only 30 miles. You'll make new friends to run with.
No Early Starts: This is due to misuse of early starts in the past, as well as a desire to make sure the faster runners are not endangering themselves or others when passing people early in the race. We never turn off the clock until the last runner has crossed the finish line!
Doing Good
Over the last several years our event has donated most of our race proceeds to the Red Cross (midwest tornado relief), donations to Warrior Hike (a combat veteran's program) and to the Kickapoo Rail Trail (a new bike trail connecting Urbana with Danville). Our plan is to again donate funds to the maintenance of the Clinton Trail itself. Many hours of donated time and labor from our volunteers keep the Clinton Trail open to use throughout the year. Visit our Clinton Lake Ultra Facebook group for updates and discussions.
Awards and Swag
The top three male and female runners will each receive special awards. All runners will receive a shirt of some sort and a finisher item.
Event's current local time: 8:55 AM CT
