Ice Age Trail 50

The Ice Age Trail 50 is one of America's oldest continuously running ultramarathons, offering a journey through a unique geological landscape shaped by glacial activity over 10,000 years ago. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the event is renowned for its competitive field and high-quality production, balanced by a welcoming, low-key trail community atmosphere. The course traverses the Kettle Moraine State Forest, featuring dense deciduous woods, tall pine plantations, rocky ridges, and open prairies.

The event provides three distinct distances to cater to various experience levels. As of April 2026, all races for the 2026 event are officially sold out, with waitlists active for interested participants.

The geography of the Ice Age Trail is defined by its namesake glacial history. Runners encounter "kettles" (depressions formed by melting ice), "kames" (conical hills of sand and gravel), and "erratics" (large boulders transported by glaciers). The underfoot conditions vary from soft pine needles and dirt to technical sections with rocks and roots. In early May, Southern Wisconsin typically sees spring conditions with average daytime temperatures of 18°C and morning lows of 7°C. While the trails are well-marked with flags, runners should be prepared for potential mud depending on spring rainfall.

Race management is led by Director Jeff Mallach, with a strong emphasis on volunteer support and athlete experience. The aid stations are noted for being well-stocked and strategically spaced throughout the forest. A hallmark of the Ice Age Trail 50 is the post-race celebration, which includes a barbecue, live music, and free beer at the finish line. Training runs are hosted locally in the weeks leading up to the race (scheduled for April 18 and April 25, 2026) to allow participants to familiarize themselves with the terrain. The race also supports the community through a student scholarship program.