Zumbro 100 Adds Midnight 50 Mile

The Zumbro ultra that takes place in southeastern Minnesota every April will have a 50 mile option in addition to the flagship 100 mile event this year!

Pine Trail Overlook

The 100 Mile will start at 8 am on Friday the 13′th, the inaugural 50 Mile will start at midnight later the same day. Also new this year: the course will be a 25 mile loop rather than 20 miles as in past years. You can read about the 2011 event here.

Again this year, the Zumbro 100 will be the first race in the Gnarly Bandit Ultra Series put on by the Upper Midwest Trail Runners. Those who complete the 5 race series of 100K and 100 Mile races get to split a stash of cash!

Registration is open!

Great Lakes Endurance 2012 Races Open

Great Lakes Endurance is now accepting race entries for all of their 2012 events, including a brand new trail marathon, half marathon, and 5K in northern Lower Michigan!

“The Waugoshance Trail Run, will include a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and Kid’s 2K.  Great Lakes Endurance is collaborating with the Little Traverse Conservancy, Wilderness State Park and the Harbor Springs Chapter of the North Country Trail to stage this new trail race on an absolutely gorgeous section of single track trail from Cross Village, Michigan to Mackinaw City.  The half marathon will start in Wilderness State Park and finish in Mackinaw City.  The 5K and Kid’s 2K will be held on the Friday evening before the main events and be staged entirely on the trail system within Wilderness State Park.”

Great Lakes Endurance will host a record 10 events in 2012 including three snowshoe races, six trail running races, and one road race.

Black Friday Sale at Front Runner

Front Runner will be offering half price entry for any of their 2012 events from November 26-29, 2012!

Included are 5 different trail races from 5K to 50K in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as triathlons, duathlons, and road races.

You can enter online or by snail mail, so sleep in – no getting trampled at a mall or parking lot required.

Tuscobia Winter Ultra Revived

Hot off the press – this year’s Tuscobia Winter Ultramarathon will be held in the north woods of Wisconsin after all! Not a fat ass, but the real deal!

The entire course will be held on the Tuscobia State Trail where you’ll have the option to run, bike, or ski 50K, 75 Miles, or 150 Miles. That’s not a typo

Expect a no frills race where participants should plan on being self sufficient (would you really want it any other way?). Minimal aid on an out and back snowmobile track.

Check the race website or the Face Book page for up to the minute details and to chat with other participants. Volunteers are also encouraged to join the party!

Tuscobia Winter Ultra Canceled

Last minute notice that the Tuscobia Winter Ultramarathon(s) have been canceled. Even the website has been deleted with no warning, so I can’t even post a link for reference.

However, there are some hardy souls who are trying to put together a fat ass run/bike/ski in it’s place as a training event for Arrowhead 135.

Current thoughts are holding it the weekend of Dec 16-17, with lots of interest in 50K – 75 miles, possibly even 150 miles. Lots of details still to be worked out, including location, although organizers are trying to keep it on the Tuscobia Trail similar to the original event.

For more info, check out the event page for the Unofficial Tuscobia 150/75 on Face Book.

Yankee Springs Winter Challenge

Brand spankin’ new race in southwestern Michigan this winter: the Yankee Springs Winter Challenge on January 7!

Distances offered are 5 Mile, Half Marathon, Marathon, and 50K on hilly single track mountain bike trail at Yankee Springs State Recreation Area.

Michigan winters this close to one of the Big Lakes (Lake Michigan, in this case) can be snow filled, so snow shoes are optional

Potowatomi 150 Mile

It’s baaaaack!

Yep, the Potowatomi (formerly McNaughton) Trail Runs have brought back the 150 mile option in addition to the 50 and 100 mile. There’s also a 30 mile fun run for those looking for a shorter option. The next party is April 13-15, 2012.

Ten mile loop course with most of the hills in Illinois conveniently located in this particular park and a few stream crossings to boot. Word is…. it’s known to get muddy

Muscle Milk Woodsy

Brand spankin’ new trail race in the beautiful woods of Murphy-Hanrehan park in southwest suburban Minneapolis on September 17!

The Muscle Milk Woodsy is offering a 5 Mile and 8.9 Mile option on the trails through the north end of the park  – perfect distances for folks wanting to give trail running a try. A portion of the proceeds will go to Forests Forever, a reforestation project that will help protect our forests for generations to come.

Minnesota Government Shutdown

So, what does a government shutdown have to do with trail running?

Not much, unless the course goes through a Minnesota state park (and several do), which have all been closed indefinately until legislators can agree on a budget.

The RD and volunteers for the Afton race were able to pull off a last minute miracle and move the race to a privately owned ski area next door to the original race site. Things may not be so easy for the fast approaching Half Voyageur and Voyageur 50 mile, so stay tuned to the race websites for updated info!

If you’d like to let the Minnesota legislators know what you think about the shutdown, you can find their contact info here.

New Trail Races

Just a quick note to point out a few brand spankin’ new trail races in the North Woods! All three of these events provide short distances for those who’d like to give trail running a try:

June 4: Buffalo River 5K & 10K at Buffalo River State Park in Moorhead, MN. Support the Regional Science Center at Minnesota State University, which provides science and environmental education for schools, teachers, and the general public.

July 9: Namekogen Art Fest 5K & 10K in Seely, WI. Proceeds from this event  will go towards the Central Cross Country Ski Association,  a  non- profit organization to support opportunities for talented athletes to pursue athletic excellence in the Winter Olympic Games.

August 16: Battle at the Creek 5K and Half Marathon at Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul, MN.  Put on by the Sisu Nordic Ski Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting and developing active outdoor lifestyles for all ages and abilities.