Popple Shoot Trail Races

The Popple Shoot Trail Races are a series of endurance events held in the Northwoods of Minong, Wisconsin. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the races are organized by Big Slo Running and are officially Trail Sisters approved. The event is characterized by its fast, relatively flat terrain consisting of ATV trails and county roads, making it a viable choice for those seeking a potentially fast trail course.

The event offers four distinct distances. All races begin and end at the Wild River Campground.

The geography of Minong is defined by the pine barrens and dense forests of Washburn County. The course utilizes the Wild Rivers Trail, an old railroad bed composed of crushed gravel, alongside paved and dirt county roads. The most technical sections involve single-lane dirt ATV trails which feature rolling hills, though total elevation change remains minor. In early May, Northern Wisconsin typically experiences cool, crisp spring weather, with average morning temperatures around 4°C and daytime highs reaching 17°C. The surfaces can be soft or dusty depending on recent rainfall.

Packet pickup is available on the Friday preceding the race at the Minong Trail Club and on race morning at the campground. While the course is fast, the 87K includes a strict cutoff at the Hall Road aid station to ensure runner safety. Aid stations are fully stocked with electrolytes, soda, and standard ultra-fare such as sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Awards are presented to top finishers across the four distances.

The Standard Bank Royal Raid is a premier trail running event in Mauritius, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. This competition is renowned for providing exclusive access to private nature reserves and showcasing the diverse tropical geography of the island’s southern interior. Organized by Running Mauritius Ltd, the event serves as a fundraiser for local animal welfare initiatives.

The Royal Raid offers three distinct distances. The races transition from the coastal forests to the mountainous slopes of the Savanne district.

The geography of the Royal Raid is characterized by extreme environmental variety. The 65km distance begins in the Domaine de Yemen before entering the Black River Gorges National Park. Runners must conquer the Parakeet Trail, a steep, technical ascent, before descending through the Watook Trail in Bel Ombre. The final stretches of all races traverse the private nature reserves of Bel Ombre and Saint Felix, featuring hilly terrain often subjected to wet conditions. In early May, Mauritius experiences a transition toward its cooler dry season, with temperatures typically ranging between 20°C and 27°C and high humidity levels in the dense forest sections.

Logistically, the event requires participants to be self-sufficient between checkpoints. While aid stations provide water and basic supplies, runners are expected to carry their own nutritional provisions. Due to the remote nature of the trails, specific safety equipment—including hydration supplies, a whistle, and a survival blanket—is mandatory. Bib collection is centralized at Bagatelle on the Thursday prior to the event. The races may be modified or cancelled in the event of torrential rain or cyclone warnings as per local safety regulations.