4sta Hike
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Event details
4sta Hike is the ninth annual timed event held at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia and Illinois City, IL along the Mississippi River. The format uses a short loop that participants repeat during a set time period.
The course is a 1 mile loop with two possible routings. The easier routing is listed as 230 feet gain and 230 feet loss per loop. The harder routing is listed as 304 feet gain and 304 feet loss per loop and is the organizer preferred route. The current fastest known loop times are 9:29 for men and 11:49 for women. Terrain includes smooth single track, rocks, roots, downed trees and steep gradients up to 48 percent, with generally rolling sections. Deer, turkeys, coyotes and snakes are commonly seen in the preserve.
The event uses a 4 hours time limit. Final loops must be completed within the time limit; loops finished after the time limit do not count. A small aid station will be located at the start and finish area. Because the course is looped, participants commonly set up chairs or pop up tents to rest and resupply between laps; depending on pace the loop can be revisited roughly every 10 to 30 minutes.
Awards are given to the male and female who complete the most loops. Registration includes a shirt plus post race food and cold beverages. Net proceeds after minimal expenses are returned to the forest preserve; over eight years more than $7,400 has been donated. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
