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.

NMTC Spring Trail Series

If you’re looking for some fun trail races in northeastern Minnesota or northwestern Wisconsin, Northland Runner is the online resource!

Their spring trail run series just kicked off and goes until June. Don’t worry, there’s a fall series too

Each race is only a buck.

Chester Woods and Yankee Springs

Seems that June 4, 2011 is a very busy trail running day in the North Woods! In addition to the Kettle Moraine 100 races near Milwaukee, two new ultras are being introduced on this day to the Upper Midwest this year:

Chester Woods has been offering a 5K and 10 mile for several years, but for 2011 RD Jim is adding a 50K for the same price as the 5K. Where else can you run a fully supported 50K for only $17? Three loops of non-technical trail through a scenic park near Rochester, MN.

Yankee Springs is a brand spankin’ new event in southwest lower Michigan and is offering a half marathon, full marathon, and a double with a 15 hour time limit. Looks like another loop course – not much info on the website about terrain or other course particulars.

Voyageur 50 Mile

The Minnesota Voyageur 50 mile has a new website up and running, and entry forms for the 2011 race are posted!

Upper Midwest Trail Runners

The Upper Midwest Trail Runners club, which encompasses MN, WI, Upper MI, ND, SD, and the northern half of Iowa, has a new website!

This is a great trail running club that has several different race series from the 5K trail series, the trail run series ranging from 10K to marathon, the Ultra Series which is all about 50K to 100 Milers, and the ultimate in north woods ultra running, the Gnarly Bandit which is all 100K and 100 Miles (with a cash prize this year).  Oh! And there’s also the Braveheart Snowshoe series so can get your groove on all year long. Entry into any or all of the series is included with your annual $20 membership.

Not to be confused with this site, Upper Midwest Trail Races, which is staying put!