The 11th annual Thunder Rolls Adventure Race will take place this weekend in at the YMCA Camp in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. The race, which is now in its 11th year, will get underway at midnight on August 24 and will feature both a 12-hour and 24-hour competition.This unsupported, expedition style race will mix the usual AR disciplines of trail running, mountain biking and paddling. But it will also mix in plenty of orienteering of course, not to mention rappelling, caving and a few other activities. In short, it is everything you could hope for out of an adventure race that just so happens to take lace in the heartland of the U.S.
The race has managed to attract a sizable group of competitors already with 30 teams signed up for the 100-mile long 24-hour race and another 15 registered to compete in the 12-hour race, which is a mere 50 miles in length. The teams are made up of 2 or 3 racers and fall into both the coed and same-sex categories.
If you're looking for a last-minute weekend adventure, registration for the Thunder Rolls is still open. Entry fees are $195/person for the 12-hour race and $235/person for the 24-hour event. That includes onsite accommodations (cabin or campsite), pre-race meal and post-race pizza and drinks. canoe rental, all land-use fees, a North Face fleece race shirt and more.
Thunder Rolls takes place near my old stomping grounds back in the Midwest. I grew up in Iowa, so I'm always glad to see a successful event taking place near there. Race director Gerry Voelliger always does an excellent job as evidenced by the fact that this race has been going on for more than a decade and it continues to attract a great field of racers. A hearty congratulations to all involved and have another great event this weekend.
