Last Updated April 2, 2024
Set against the backdrop of Michigan’s luscious forest, meandering dirt tracks, and the shimmer of a beach, the Run Woodstock Hallucination 100 event isn’t just a race – it’s an experience that combines the serenity of nature with the spirit of the ’60s, all encapsulated in an ultra trail runner’s dream. Running Fit Events produces the headliner 100-mile event is the 4th leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and a qualifier for the famed Western States 100. Strambecco rates the event as one of the best trail-running events in the Midwest.
From free 5Ks to the mammoth 100-mile and 100K races, there’s an event tailored for everyone. It’s a celebration of endurance, willpower, music, and the legacy of the Woodstock era. Run Woodstock is a weekend where you can find harmony, get into the groove, indulge in yoga, and revive your karmic balance, while also getting your butt kicked on the trail. Furthermore, it supports the noble mission of Washtenaw Promise, empowering the children of Washtenaw County.
Event & Course Info
The groovy weekend kicks off with the Hallucination 100M & 100k on Friday afternoon, while the 50M, 50K, Marathon, and Half take place on Saturday. Both 100 Mile & 100K routes feature a 16.6-mile loop repeated multiple times (100 Mile: 6 loops, 100K: 4 loops with shortcuts). Total elevation gain per loop is approximately 1500′. Aid stations are spread roughly every 4-5 miles on the ultramarathon routes. Offering everything from soups, sandwiches to even pizzas for the evening crowd. Half Marathoners and Full Marathoners also have their aid stations adequately positioned. Both the 100-mile and 100K ultras have a 30-hour time limit, ensuring everyone finishes safely. Check out the course maps below:
Hallucination 100M/50M Course Map
Hallucination 100k/50k Course Map
All runners who conquer the Hallucination 100-mile challenge will be honored with a unique belt buckle and a peace sign medal to commemorate their accomplishment. Those who complete the 100K will receive the peace sign medal as a testament to their achievement. Groovy awards await the top three overall male and female finishers in all event categories, and accolades will be given three deep in 5-year age groups. Saturday night will see the presentation of Theme Awards, a highlight of the weekend festivities including awards for the ‘Hippest Hippies’, the ‘Campsite Award’, honoring the three most ‘far out’ campsites, and ‘Hippest Vehicle’ award, which will be given to the top three vehicles that most spectacularly transport you back in time – retro Bugs, Busses, and Pinto!
For runners looking to tackle Hallucination 100, there are 24 week training plans available specifically to help you train for your target race at Run Woodstock.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The official host hotel for the event is Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Center, however, part of the experience is joining in on the rustic drive-in camping at Run Woodstock Hallucination 100. If you prefer to have a more home-like experience while in town, there are many vacation rentals to choose, from lakeside cottages to homes perfect for a group. Run Woodstock Hallucination 100 takes place just outside of Ann Arbor so if you’re looking for alternative accommodations, there are plenty of options there as well.
Gregory itself is a rather small town and doesn’t have a plethora of restaurants, but if you are willing to drive to Ann Arbor, you will be delighted with its culinary scene. Ann Arbor, MI boasts a vibrant culinary scene, blending diverse international cuisines with farm-to-table eateries, and is renowned for its eclectic mix of trendy cafes, gourmet restaurants, and food-centric events, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan flair and Midwestern charm. Iconic spots for grub include Zingerman’s Deli, Blimpie Burger, Pacific Rim, Jolly Pumpkin, and the Fleetwood Diner.
While in town for the event, explore the Potawatomi Trail, spanning over 17 miles, which winds through the scenic Pinckney Recreation Area, offering outdoor athletes a challenging terrain amid lush forests, lakes, and rolling hills, making it perfect for an invigorating run or hike. Also, Gregory is close to a series of interconnected lakes, making it a great option for water enthusiasts to kayak, canoe or SUP, starting from one lake and navigating through several others, enjoying the serene waterscapes, spotting local wildlife, and indulging in some fishing. Lastly, mountain biking at the Waterloo State Recreation Area offers more than 20,000 acres that are home to rugged trails that challenge even seasoned bikers. With a mix of dense woodlands, open meadows, and wetlands, it offers a dynamic backdrop for an adrenaline-pumping ride.
Related Events
Running Fit Events is a Michigan based company that produces a number of popular events within the region. If you are considering other top-shelf trail running events in the Midwest, other Strambecco best-in-class options include Burning River Endurance Run from Western Reserve Racing is also a UTMB World Series qualifying event, and the Ice Age Trail 50 in Wisconsin.
For multi-sport athletes, check out other Strambecco best-rated events taking place in Michigan, such as the Barry-Roubaix, one of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Midwest, as well as Marji Gesick 50/100 which is part of the NUE: National Ultra Endurance Race Series and Ore to Shore (O2S), both considered to be the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Midwest.
The Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning was established in 2012 and is comprised of completing any four of the midwest’s premier 100-mile trail races: Mohican Trail 100; Kettle Moraine 100; Burning River 100; Hallucination 100; Indiana Trail 100. Runners completing all five races are designated “Super Slammers.”
The Western States 100 is the grandaddy of ultra-running events. It is an epic 100-mile trail run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. See the dedicated Western States Endurance Run website for details on the lottery process, training, support, and volunteer opportunities. Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. If not completed in time, the registration will be available to runners on the waitlist of 50-75 people.
