The 2026 Chippewa Trail Races will take place on Saturday, April 25th, at the David R. Obey (Chippewa Moraine) Ice Age Interpretive Center in New Auburn, Wisconsin. Participants can expect weather conditions typical for late April in this region, where average high temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, with lows in the upper 30s, and a moderate chance of spring showers. The event features trail running on the scenic Ice Age Trail, winding through forests, lakes, and rolling glacial terrain with notable features like views of over 20 lakes, a climb up Rattlesnake Hill, and a 100-foot bridge through a pine swamp.
What distances are available for this event?
→50K race starting at 8:00 AM (out-and-back on Ice Age Trail and Circle Trail)
→20 Miler race starting at 8:30 AM (out-and-back on Ice Age Trail and Circle Trail)
→50K Relay (2-person team) starting at 8:30 AM (same course as open 50K)
→10K race starting at 9:00 AM (loop using Ice Age Trail and Circle Trail)
How much does registration cost for the 50K?
→Through December 2 or first 60 entries: $50
→December 2 through March 1: $75
→March 1 through April 20: $95
How much does registration cost for the 20 Miler?
→Through December 2 or first 50 entries: $40
→December 2 through March 1: $65
→After March 1: $80
How much does registration cost for the 50K Relay?
→Through December 2 or first 10 teams: $80 per team
→December 2 through March 1: $120 per team
→After March 1: $140 per team
How much does registration cost for the 10K?
→Through December 2 or first 40 entries: $20
→December 2 through March 1: $35
→March 1 through April 20: $40
What is the field limit for each distance?
→50K: 180 entries
→20 Miler: 150 entries
→50K Relay: 35 teams
→10K: 120 entries
What are the cutoff times for each race?
→50K: 9 hours total; 4 hours at the turnaround
→20 Miler: 7 hours total
→10K: 2 hours total
What aid stations are available on the course?
→50K: Aid at Cty Hwy M (Mile 3.2), Plummer Lake (Mile 6.3, cumulative 9.5 miles), Turnaround (Mile 6.1, cumulative 15.6 miles), Plummer Lake (Mile 6.1, cumulative 21.7 miles), Cty Hwy M (Mile 6.3, cumulative 28 miles)
→20 Miler: Aid at Cty Hwy M (Mile 3.2), Plummer Lake/Turnaround (Mile 6.3, cumulative 9.5 miles), Cty Hwy M (Mile 6.3, cumulative 15.8 miles)
→10K: Aid at Cty Hwy M (Mile 3.2)
What food and beverages are provided at aid stations?
Aid stations offer Snickers, salted nut rolls, fruit snacks, chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, Gatorade, and water.
Are drop bags available for participants?
→50K: Drop bags allowed at the turnaround only
→20 Miler: No drop bags available
→10K: No drop bags available
What awards are given to participants?
Top 3 male and female finishers in each distance receive awards. All finishers receive a full-color 8.5×11 print of the current year logo.
What are the course marking details?
The course is marked with pink flags staked in the ground—on your right going out and on your left on the return.
Is there a relay transportation policy?
For the 50K Relay, transportation is not provided; each team is responsible for their own transportation to and from the turnaround point.
What are the packet pickup times?
Packet pickup occurs on Friday before the race at the center from 3:00–5:00 PM and on race morning starting at 6:30 AM.
Are there any music restrictions on the course?
No external music is allowed on the course.
Where can participants stay nearby?
Lodging is available at Camp Nawakwa, a historic youth camp on the north side of Picnic Lake, offering cabins to yurts at $50 per person per night. More information can be found at Nawakwa ↗.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Chippewa Trail Races?
A: The event takes place on 25 April 2026.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is held in New Auburn, United States.
