CRATER TRAIL RUN 2025
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.
Proceeds will be split between the Northeast Iowa Montessori School, the Decorah Human Powered Trails and the Decorah Park & Rec.
Race information can be found below, with additional details for the event here:
50K
1 station/drop bag location @ the start, (25k) Van Pennen entrance, on the start of the 2nd lap
1 station/drop bag location @the entrance of Palisades Park (5k, 12k, 30k, 37k)
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)
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 6/2025. 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.