Midwest States 100- 2022
Race photographer: Jenny Thorsen
Midwest States 100 Extreme Trail race. We have been working on getting this race off the ground since 2019....race logistics, permits, miles on the trail, building relationships, safety measures, website and all the things that go into putting on an extreme trail race. Our dream was to build a grassroots race in the Midwest on the lightly travelled, technical trails in the wilderness of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Runners read this description before registering for the race:
This is NOT your typical Ultra race.
This is a wilderness adventure. Prepare.
“The Midwest States 100 course is in a lightly travelled section of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The majority of the course is on Wisconsin’s iconic Ice Age Trail. The terrain in this area is difficult. Wild animals include bears. The course aid stations are spaced from 6 to 7 miles apart. This race is for the runner looking for a challenging wilderness adventure.”
Race day arrives and Mother Nature decided to take an already extreme trail race course and double it's difficulty by adding a soaking rain storm throughout the entire 34 hour event.
We took a group photo of all the runners just before the race start. The sky was a beautiful purple color as the sun was starting to rise over the lake. There were equal the amount of volunteers on course ready to care for the runners. The community came together to care for these athletes so they would have the opportunity to experience running these trails in U.S. Forest Service - Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. We were touched by how many local folks came out to support the race and give us ideas for next year!
Sam Stimac took the overall win for the race in a time of 25:10:00, which sets the overall course record.
Ice Age trail alliance: The majority of the race course is on the Ice Age trail that is built and maintained by Ice Age Trail Alliance. This 1200+ mile trail meanders through Wisconsin and allows us to see parts of the State in remote areas that we would never have the opportunity to see without the trail.
Michele Hartwig- Race Director
Finish rate: The 75.36% finish rate would have been a high finish rate on any day. The fact that it happened under these extreme weather conditions is absolutely incredible. We are so proud of every athlete that was brave enough to toe the start line and gave the course their best for the day.
Congratulations and thank you to all the runners, crew, volunteers, mother nature and everyone that made our inaugural race such an epic experience.
Save the date of August 26th, 2023 to join us for year two! Registration will open soon!
~Michele, Race Director
