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.
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