4sta Hike
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4sta Hike
The 9th Annual 4sta Hike is a timed, loop trail event held within Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, Illinois, along the banks of the Mississippi. The event uses a 1 mile loop that participants may repeat for up to a 4 hour time limit.
Organizers list two possible loop configurations. The Easy loop has about 230 feet gain and 230 feet loss per loop. The Hard loop has about 304 feet gain and 304 feet loss per loop; the Hard loop is preferred and the Easy loop is not planned to be used. Current fastest known times for the 4sta loop are 9:29 for men and 11:49 for women.
Trail surfaces include smooth single track, rocks, roots and downed trees, with steep sections reported up to 48 percent and generally rolling terrain. Wildlife commonly seen in the preserve includes deer, turkeys, coyotes and snakes.
A small aid station will be available at the start and finish area. Because the course repeats, participants may set up chairs or pop up tents and can expect to reach the aid station roughly every 10 to 30 minutes depending on pace.
Registrations include a shirt, post race food and cold beverages. A prize will be awarded to the male and female with the most loops completed within the time limit. After minimal expenses, proceeds are returned to the forest preserve; over eight years more than $7,400 has been given back. The listed registration fee is USD 33.50 and registration closes on Sep 9. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
