Thunder in the Valley

MAY

9

2026

Thunder in the Valley at Hawthorne Park in Terre Haute invites triathletes and duathletes to a scenic lake swim, rolling 20K bike and shaded flat 5K run with relay team options. A beloved event with over 40 years of tradition, awards and post race refreshments.

Sat 9 May 2026

Terre Haute, Indiana

Registration

Relay Duathlon Team - Run... Duathlon - Run 1 Duathlon - Run 2 Relay Duathlon Team - Run... Sprint Triathlon - Run

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Event overview

Thunder in the Valley is a multi-discipline race held in Terre Haute, Indiana at Hawthorne Park (6067 E Old Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803). The event in 2026 includes a sprint triathlon, a duathlon, and relay team options for both triathlon and duathlon. The event has been held for over 40 years.

Courses and rules

The sprint triathlon swim takes place in Hawthorne Lake, with a lakeside transition to a 20k bike course described as smooth with rolling hills, followed by a shaded, flat out-and-back 5k run. The duathlon begins with an out-and-back run to transition, then the same 20k bike course and a 5k run. The event is USAT certified; USAT membership is required at registration or participants may purchase a 1-day USAT race license. USAT wetsuit rules apply: wetsuits allowed at 78 degrees or lower; between 78.1 and 83.9 degrees wetsuits are allowed but not for awards or USAT ranking points; 84 degrees or higher wetsuits are not allowed. The reported water temperature on the Friday before the race was 70 degrees.

Logistics

Packet pickup is available the day before at the beach near the park entrance and on race morning at Dogwood Shelter; USAT membership ID and a personal ID are checked at pickup. There is an optional practice swim the day before. Awards and post-race refreshments are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.