Badlands Race Series

The inaugural Badlands Race Series arrives at the Island Lake Recreation Area on Saturday, May 16, 2026, offering a unique endurance experience that primarily takes place under the cover of night. Runners will navigate the extensive and scenic trail network of Brighton, Michigan, with headlamps in hand as they push through the darkness toward dawn. This series is designed to challenge the limits of trail enthusiasts, featuring two grueling night divisions and a separate daytime event for those who prefer the Michigan sunlight.

The series is divided into three distinct races, with the 100K participants taking on two full loops of the 50K course to complete their journey.

Island Lake Recreation Area provides a diverse trail system that serves as a professional and atmospheric backdrop for this debut event.

• - Capacity: To ensure a seamless experience, the event is strictly limited to 450 total participants, with each of the three divisions capped at 150 runners.
• - The Night Experience: Participants in the Nightfall and Overnight divisions must be equipped with high-quality headlamps as they run through the night and into the early morning hours.
• - Time Limits: The 50K divisions have a 9-hour limit, while 100K athletes are provided with an 18-hour window to complete their two loops.
• - Terrain: Winding through woods and open areas, the course offers a technical yet rewarding trail experience suitable for seasoned ultra-runners.

Blackwood Racing has established a significant prize structure to reward top-tier performance in the competitive night divisions.

• - Total Purse: A massive $9,750 prize pool is available, distributed among the top finishers in the 100K and Nightfall 50K divisions.
• - Competitive Categories: Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in both the Female and Open (Men's) categories.
• - Course Record Bonus: An additional $500 bonus is available for first-place finishers who set a course record—a guarantee for the winners of this inaugural year!
• - Swag: All registered participants will receive a Tech Hoody and a collection of race-day goodies, with finisher medals awarded to all who cross the line within the cutoff.

For inquiries regarding the prize purse, technical standards, or the developing Runner's Guide, participants can reach out to Blackwood Racing via the official contact emails found on the UltraSignup registration page.