2026 Madcity Ultras
MadCity Ultras will take place on April 11, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. The event is held in the Madison area and features a series of road races centered around the iconic Arb Loop, a 10K loop that traverses through the UW-Madison Arboretum, along Lake Wingra, and near Vilas Park. The expected weather in Madison on this date is likely to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 60°F and partly cloudy conditions. Participants can expect a challenging yet scenic course that highlights the natural beauty of the region. The event is organized entirely by volunteers and has a long-standing reputation for excellence, having hosted the 100K and 50K National Championship races for 12 consecutive years.
What distances are available for this event?
- →100K Road National Championship
- →100K Solo Road
- →50K Solo Road
- →100K Team Relay (2–5 people per team)
- →50K Team Relay
What is the course structure for the event?
The course is built around the Arb Loop, a 10K loop that is repeated multiple times for the 50K and 100K races. Both the 50K and 100K courses are USATF-Certified. Detailed course maps are available for the 100K and 50K races on Mapmyrun ↗ and Mapmyrun ↗, respectively.
What are the start and finish times for the event?
The start time for the 100K Solo and 100K Relay races is 6:30 AM. The course closes at 8:00 PM, giving participants a 14-hour window to complete the race. All runners must finish before the course closes.
Are there any restrictions on early starts?
Early starts are allowed if participants notify the Race Director in advance. However, early starters are not eligible for placing, age group awards, or overall awards.
What is the significance of the 100K Road National Championship?
The 100K Road National Championship is a major event within the MadCity Ultras series. It is recognized by USATF and has been hosted by the Local Organizing Committee for the past 12 years. The top Open and Masters Male and Female 100K finishers who are Wisconsin residents and USATF members will be named USATF State Champions and receive a special Wisconsin-shaped plaque.
What is the role of the Local Organizing Committee?
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is a volunteer-run group that is recognized by USATF. The LOC has a history of successfully hosting high-level races, including the 100K and 50K National Championship races for 12 consecutive years.
What is the purpose of the MadCity Ultras event?
The event's objective is to highlight the Madison area running community. It is a volunteer-run event that brings together runners of all levels to celebrate the sport of long-distance running in a beautiful and scenic setting.