General Information
CRATER TRAIL RUN 2026
Come to Northeast Iowa's bluff country, a place unlike anywhere else in the state, and perhaps the Midwest to run the off-road, single track trails of Van Peenen Memorial Park. Van Peenen Memorial Park is one of Decorah’s 13 parks that make outdoor fun and staying fit a way of life in Winneshiek County. The trails are groomed, marked and ready for the more adventurous types like you. This area is part of the outstanding 17-mile + system of single-track mountain bike trails. Here is your chance to challenge your body by running them. The parks were even mentioned in Men’s Journal magazine's “52 Great American Weekends” feature. Enthusiasts drive in from all parts of the Midwest to enjoy these trails. Come see why!
On your running adventure in Decorah, you may our city’s premier campground, butterfly gardens, scenic waterfalls, Upper Iowa River tubing and canoeing attractions, hiking, biking, and walking trails; not to mention the modern twist on Midwestern charmed business district where unique shops offer gifts and gear galore! But don't take our word for it...check it out!
Proceeds will be split between the Northeast Iowa Montessori School, the Decorah Human Powered Trails and the Decorah Park & Rec.
Aid
Plan to fuel your own race but we will have aid stations with water, hydration drink and food as supplies last.
- 50K 1 station/drop bag location @ the start, (25k) Van Pennen entrance, on the start of the 2nd lap
- 25K 1 station/drop bag location @the entrance of Palisades Park (5k, 12k, 30k, 37k)
- 5/10K 1 station located @ Death Valley, 50k runners pass this water/hydrate station 4 times.
- 25K 1 station/drop bag location @the entrance of Palisades Park (5k, 12k)
- 5/10K 1 station located @ Death Valley, 25k runners pass this water/hydrate station 2 times.
- 5/10K 1 station located @ Death Valley, 5/10k runners pass this water/hydrate station 2 times.
Distances
- 1 Mi
- 5 K 3.2 miles long, 613 feet climbing.
- 10 K 6.3 miles long, 1383 feet of climbing.
- 25 K 15.5 miles long, 2750 feet of climbing.
- 50 K 31.1 miles long, 5500+ feet of climbing.
Climbs are approximate.
Start Times
- 50/25K - 6:00 AM 3PM cutoff for finishing and no runner is allowed to start a 2nd loop after 11AM.
- 10K/5K - 8:15 AM - immediately following all the kids last finisher. This usually takes them about 20 minutes.
- 1 MILE - 8:00 AM parents may line the course to support and cheer on the little runners!
Base your starting position on your expected finishing time.
Packet Pick Up + Check In
Friday, June 5/2026. 5:00 -8:00 pm Decorah Hatchery 406 W. Water Street, Decorah, Ia 52101
We highly encourage you to pick up your packet on Friday, especially the 25/50k runners. If you are unable to pick it up Friday or have a friend pick it up for you, let us know via text or email. If you pick-up your packet but decide to DNS, please shoot us an email or text so we know not to search for you in the woods :-)
Awards + OnSite Raffle
Overall F/M for each event gets 1st pick. We do a general entry raffle - onsite at 11:00 AM. We assume your bada$$ery because you are willing to run this event and we want to celebrate you with cool gear from local vendors! If you are still on the course at 11AM, and we draw your name, we will hold your prize for you otherwise you must be present to win.
Other Details
- Start/finish will be at the trail head of Van Peenen Park entrance on Quarry Hill Rd.
- -All turns will be marked clearly for each race.
- -No runner is allowed to start a 2nd loop on the 50k after 11AM.
- -Runners are allowed to change distances up until Friday night packet pickup. After that point, you are committed to the distance race you start Saturday morning and if you do not complete your race, you will be listed as a DNF.
HEADPHONES - Not encouraged for safety reasons but seriously, unplug yourself, enjoy the view, listen to the sounds of nature and discover something new about yourself. Be cautious of other runners, the trails are tight in most places and the last thing you want is a fall because you couldn’t hear someone passing you.
Event will go on rain or shine and only in the case of extreme inclement weather may a postponement or cancellation be considered. We reserve the right to make this call as needed.
This is a small grassroots fundraising event for a local preschool and elementary school, the Northeast Iowa Montessori School. We do not guarantee any sort of refund to registrants unable to participate or due to the event being cancelled for any reason. Please only register if this is acceptable. We hope you understand and still register early to help us put on the best event possible! See you in the woods! The trails will be ready for you. Kelly & Scott Searcy
