Thunder in the Valley 2026

Thunder in the Valley begins at Hawthorn Lake, within Hawthorn Park in Terre Haute, Indiana. Athletes start with a 500-meter swim, followed immediately by a transition area beside the lake. This USAT-certified, early-season sprint-distance event offers solo and relay participation. The triathlon consists of a 500-meter swim, a 20k bike ride, and a 5k run. The duathlon replaces the swim with a short initial run before proceeding to the same bike and run segments. The 20k bike course covers rolling hills, leading participants back to the park. The 5k run is a flat, shaded out-and-back route. With over forty years of history, the race attracts both novice triathletes and seasoned competitors using it to open their season. Relay teams can divide the triathlon among two or three members, and duathlon relays involve two participants. All finishers receive custom die-cast medals, swim caps, shirts, awards, and refreshments after the race.