Soul Crusher
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About the race
Soul Crusher is a trail running event in Crystal Lake, IL, organized by Ornery Mule Racing and scheduled for October 17, 2026. The event offers looped trail distances through Veteran Acres and Sternes Woods on mostly single-track trails.
Distances:
- 10 Miler
- 5 Miler
The course is described as a roughly 5 mile loop that may include bonus mileage on some sections; the 10 mile option uses the same trail network. The route includes single-track forest trails and sections that are adjusted from year to year, so course length and exact routing may change.
Logistics and race services include packet pickup at the Ornery Mule Trailhead on the Friday before the event and pickup at Veteran Acres on race morning. Participants should plan for a 30 minute walk from the main parking area to the start line and follow yellow flags to the start and pink flags for the race course. Parking is available at the main lot, 431 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake.
Race rules and notes: there is a 3 hour and 30 minute time cutoff; the event is cup-less so runners should carry a water bottle or hydration vest; finishers receive a skeleton finisher medal and a race shirt is offered. Organizers send a pre-race email to registered runners and post race photos after the event. The registration deadline is October 14. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
