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 like no other, you’ll run in dense deciduous forests, under tall pines, over rocky ridges, and across open prairies – and see lakes, kettles, kames, and other natural features left when the glaciers finally retreated from Wisconsin more than 10,000 years ago. There are 3-course options for participants; 50 miles, 50K, and Half Marathon. Registration includes race entry, timing chip, commemorative t-shirt, finisher’s award, catered lunch, and post-race party that includes live music and awards ceremony. Awards are given to the top 3 men and women in each category, 13 categories, including overall winners.
50-mile – This course is mainly single-track dirt, tree-rooted, rocky trail that winds through forests and prairies with incessant hills. There are 13 aid stations, not including the start and finish line, with a mix of hydration and nutrition. A full schedule includes course details so runners can plan when to fuel up with snacks during the long race. The 50-mile is marked with yellow rectangles painted on trails and rocks.
50K – This 31-mile trail run has two basic sections. The part cruises along many known horse trails in the area. There is a narrow, single track winding up and over many hills with few flats. The second section has two loops of the Nordic Trail, a cross-country ski trail popular in Wisconsin’s winter months. During summer, they are wide, scenic, and runnable and provide every type of terrain possible in a gravel race. There are nine aid stations between start and finish, and 7 include fluids and food. See the full schedule to plan your breaks. The 50K is marked with orange ground flags.
Half-Marathon – This course is two loops on the Nordic Trail, which are wide, scenic, and a good representation of the glacial topography of the Kettle Moraine. There are three aid stations for each loop that you will hit twice along the course. The Tamarack Aid Station on your second time through the course is a marker that there are only 4.5 miles to go and all courses merge join together for the finish line. Blue ground flags mark this course.
The Ice Age Trail site details camping, lodging, and areas of interest. Many restaurants in the area and towns circle Kettle Moraine State Forest; The Lakehouse, The Trout House, and Rushing Waters are worth checking out for the taste of local Wisconsin.
Registration opens on December 18, 2022.
