Soul Crusher

Soul Crusher

Soul Crusher is an off-road running event held in Crystal Lake, Illinois on October 17, 2026. The event offers trail distances on single-track paths through Veteran Acres and Sternes Woods, with the course routed as approximately 5 miles and 10 miles options. The course includes sections that vary year to year and may add extra miles beyond the nominal distance.

The event is organized by Ornery Mule Racing. Race services include race shirts and a skeleton finisher medal; all finishers receive a medal. The event is cup-less; participants are asked to carry a water bottle or use a hydration vest. A 3 hour 30 minute time cutoff applies.

Packet pickup is scheduled on the Friday evening before the race at the Ornery Mule Trailhead, 824 S. Main Street #102, and on race morning at Veteran Acres. Park in the main parking lot at 431 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake. Allow about a 30 minute walk from the parking area to reach the start line; the route to the start and the course are marked with colored flags.

Organizers send a pre-race email to registered runners with important event information, and runner photos are posted on the event photographer's website. The registration period closes on October 14, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.