The Chippewa Trail Races are held along the Ice Age Trail which is a single-track trail system and start/finish at the Chippewa Moraine Center. The center is found at the top hill providing a stunning view of the area and the abilty to see the runners from a mile out. This hill does make for a nice start going down; however, there have been many nicknames given to the hill because the runners face the incline at the very end of the race.
Since the races are held in the spring time there is little to no foliage on the trees and undergrowth. This openness provides many views of kettle lakes and glacial features along the course that you would not normally see during the summer time.
There is abundance of small hills along both courses. Only one major uphill which is at the finish both races. I would say that there isn’t much technical running with lots of rocks and roots however this isn’t road running either.
You will interesting landmarks to see along the course. Run next to many lakes such as South Shattuck Lake, Dans Lake and Plummer Lake. 20 other ones to see. Run up rattlesnake hill before heading thru a field, balance your way across Three Sisters boardwalk, Kim’s Crossing which is a bridge done in memory of Kim by her Dad after Kim was killed by a drunk driver, and over a 3 foot high by 100 foot long no hand bridge thru tall pines in a swamp.
The 50K race will start at 8am. The course is an out and back with two aid stations on the way out (mile 3 and mile 9, then repeat on way back) and turnaround which will have your drop bags and portable outhouse along with an aid station.
The 30K will start at 8:30am. Course will run to the middle aid station and then return back. Total aid stations for the 30k is 3. Cut off for the 30k is 7 hours with a 3 hour time limit to be meet at the half way point
The 10K race starts at 9am. For an easy description the course is a loop with mile markers, one aid station at mile 3. Distance is actually 6.9 miles but who likes to run a 11k race?
Each aid station will have PJ sandwiches, cookies, salted nut rolls, bananas, Gatorade, water, pretzels, gummy worms and more. Pop will be available, Diet coke, coke and sprite.
There will be post-race food available after the 10k including cookies, bananas, and chips. Starting around 12:30 pm there will soup and sandwiches.
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