Thunder in the Valley
When is Thunder in the Valley?
Thunder in the Valley takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Terre Haute, IN.
What distances does Thunder in the Valley offer?
Thunder in the Valley offers 4 events: Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Triathlon Relay Team, Relay Duathlon Team.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint Triathlon | 15.0 mi | $65.00 | Register |
| Duathlon | 15.0 mi | $65.00 | Register |
| Triathlon Relay Team | 15.0 mi | $100.00 | Register |
| Relay Duathlon Team | 15.0 mi | $90.00 | Register |
How much does Thunder in the Valley cost?
Registration for Thunder in the Valley starts at $100.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Thunder in the Valley held?
Thunder in the Valley is held in Terre Haute, IN at 6067 E Old Maple Ave.
About Thunder in the Valley
USAT CERTIFIED EVENT
USAT membership will be required at registration or you can opt for a 1Day USAT race license.
Thunder in the Valley Triathlon is 41 years old in 2026. Athletes will also get top notch swag with custom die cast finisher medals and awards, swim caps, and a super cool Thunder in the Valley t-shirt.
Sprint Triathlon Distances 500Μ SWIM 20K BIKE 5K RUN
Duathlon Distances 1.6K RUN 20K BIKE 5K RUN
This triathlon will begin at 8am with a 500 meter swim in the calm Hawthorn Lake. After a quick lakeside transition athletes will head out for a smooth, fast 20k bike course with rolling hills that brings them back to the transition area. Athletes will then run on a shaded, flat out and back 5k course before returning to the finish line. This race is the perfect race for the new triathlete looking for their first triathlon, or the seasoned athlete looking for their first race of the season. For 41 years, Thunder has been the race to kick-off triathlon season!
The Duathlon will begin with a 1 mile out and back run to transition before heading out on the 20k bike course. This race is held around and within beautiful Hawthorn Park with great competition for beginners and experienced athletes. Awards and post race refreshments following the race.
The guarantee t-shirt cutoff is May 1st at 11:59pm. If you sign up after this date, there is not a guarantee you will get a shirt, even though we will order some extras.
USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards or USAT ranking points.
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, wetsuits may not be worn.
Race Courses
Swim Course
Bike Course
Run Course
Water Temperature
As the race approaches, I will update the water temperature. More often than not, this race is wetsuit legal.
Packet Pick-up
- You can pick your packet up on Friday, May 8th from 5-7pm at the beach near the park entrance, or race morning at Dogwood Shelter. Packet pickup will be May 9th from 6-7:30am. Please park in a parking lot and then come get your packet. You are not permitted to park alongside the road within the park.
- USAT Membership ID and personal ID will be checked at packet pickup. Make sure to bring these with you to make a smooth check-in process. If you do not bring your IDs, you will not get your packet. If you are not a USAT member, and you signed up online, you already purchased a USAT 1-day license.
- Timing chips will be picked up the morning of the race at Dogwood Shelter.
There will be an optional practice swim on Friday May 8th from 5:30-6:30pm.
Race Schedule
- Transition will open at 6am and close at 7:40am.
- The sprint triathlon will start promptly at 8am with a swim in the Hawthorn Lake which is an out and back course.
- The duathlon will start at 8:10am on the road near the swim start.
- Awards will take place at 10am at the Dogwood Shelter, refreshments and pizza will be provided.
- The course will close at 10:30am.
Race Courses
Swim Course
Bike Course
Run Course
