Sugar Badger 50/50 & Half Marathon
Belleville, WI
- 50 Miler, 50K, Half Marathon
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Sugar Badger 50/50 and Half Marathon is an out and back race on rail trails in SW Wisconsin. The Badger Trail and the Sugar River Trail are both flat, soft, scenic trails which contain trestle bridges, scenic vistas and a 1/4 mile tunnel (light recommended). This will be a … MORE
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Good course with great people.
Overall Rating: Great! Course Difficulty: This course is a 26 mile out and back (yes, that's 52 miles) on a couple of rail trails in southern Wisconsin. The trails were … MORE
Overall Rating: Great!
Course Difficulty: This course is a 26 mile out and back (yes, that’s 52 miles) on a couple of rail trails in southern Wisconsin. The trails were in crazy good shape for inches of rain that we had the day and night before, a few puddles here and there, but nothing you couldn’t step around; the tunnel closure made for the extra 2 miles (and giant hill). Other than dodging sticks, this was a very easy course.
Course scenery: A couple of covered bridges, some of the run was along the river, most was pretty standard rail trail scenery, good enough to keep your mind occupied, but nothing extraordinary.
Race Production: Outstanding. Everything was where it was supposed to be and when it was supposed to be there. Pre-race communication was excellent, everything I needed to know was in the manual. The RD was on site regularly, and gave a hug and a medal to everyone who crossed the finish line. Chip timed with wonderful aid stations and volunteers every 5-6 miles. Three designated aid stations so crew can meet you on the course if needed.
Race Swag: Good. T-shirt, custom finish medal, buff, draw string bag, and race company socks.
My Performance: Ok. This was PR, but not an amazing performance. I went into the race knowing that I wasn’t trained up for it, but in the training for the 100 miler this fall, needed to feel a little pain (the achy type that comes from being on your feet a while). After the hill at mile 47, I wasn’t 100% sure I could finish, but managed to get it done. Walked a lot!
Final notes: This is an excellent race, and Ten Junk Miles is an excellent host. I don’t drink, but there were a couple of keg’s of beer and free pizza at the finish for people to enjoy as the other runners came in. I still feel like I haven’t embraced this part of the ultra culture enough; when the race is over I’m already thinking about the family at home and work next week…so I just get on the road instead of hanging out. I’m looking forward to getting more time with the TJM tribe; if you’re looking for a good 50k or 50 miler in Wisconsin, this is it.
Wonderful Midwest Race
Excellent from start to finish. Loved the swag and the wonderful volunteers! Pretty course and a great time. The finish line hug is a bonus! MORE
Excellent from start to finish. Loved the swag and the wonderful volunteers! Pretty course and a great time. The finish line hug is a bonus!