Best Trail Running Events in the Midwest 2023

Strambecco rates the top trail running events in the Midwest for 2023 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, runner feedback, and the overall uniqueness of the event or race. Spanning Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, South/North Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, and Minnesota, the Midwest terrain features of Strambecco’s best list is generally flat or rolling.
The Midwest is home to many prominent and well-organized events. Strambecco’s best list includes events that are components or qualifiers for prestigious regional, national and international race series, including the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Series, Western States 100, and UTMB World Series.
Strambecco does not list every event. We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy. If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, don’t hesitate to contact us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.
The Ice Age Trail 50 is one of the oldest continuously-running ultras in the country and is rated by Strambecco as one of the best trail-running events in the Midwest. A course…