A single point-to-point-and-back journey across the glacially-carved Kettle Moraine State Forest on the Ice Age Trail — one leg of the Midwest Grand Slam, and a Western States 100 qualifier despite never leaving Wisconsin’s low hills.
Quick facts
- Location: Nordic Trailhead, 9127 Kettle Moraine Scenic Dr, Whitewater, WI (start/finish)
- Date: June 13, 2026
- Distance: 100 miles, 30-hour cutoff
- Website: kettlemoraine100.com
- Contact: dirtrunner100@yahoo.com — Ornery Mule Racing
- Registration: Lottery via UltraSignup, December 1–30, registration closes May 30. A Western States 100 qualifier and part of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultra-Running.
Course description
Roughly 80% wooded terrain following sections of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, with the rest crossing open prairie and marsh. The glacially-carved landscape produces a course local runners call a “roller coaster” — small, sharp hills scattered continuously throughout, none especially long or steep individually, but relentless in aggregate. One local runner’s assessment: “Silent Killers.” Sections through pine plantings offer a soft bed of pine needles underfoot, while other stretches are smoother and more open. Small rocks and roots are scattered through the wooded sections.
Elevation change
Approximately 8,800 feet of cumulative gain and loss — modest by mountain standards, but the terrain’s relentless small rollers make the effort feel larger than the numbers suggest.
Aid stations
Key aid/drop-bag stations include Nordic (start/finish, also passed at miles 63.9 and 100.6), McMiller (miles 19.5 and 45.3), Hwy 67 (miles 29.8 and 36.8), and Hwy 12 (miles 77.4 and 86.3), along with Bluff, Rice Lake, and Scuppernong. Crew access is available at Nordic, Bluff, Hwy 67, Hwy ZZ, McMiller, Hwy 12, and Rice Lake. Pacers can join 100-mile runners starting at 6:30 PM at Bluff, or at Nordic, Hwy 12, and Rice Lake after that point.
Special conditions & average temps
Mid-June in southern Wisconsin brings long daylight (sunrise 5:16 AM, sunset 8:34 PM on race day) and typically warm, humid conditions, with rain always a real possibility at Kettle — runners are advised to pack a change of clothing for exactly that reason. The course runs through Wisconsin State Parks, which do not permit car camping, so overnight logistics for crews take some planning.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2026
- Men: 1. Dustin Trampe 17:19:15 · 2. Adam Sanchez 18:55:58 · 3. Andrew Richardson 19:21:56
- Women: 1. Laura Stanley 25:07:14 · 2. Anna Twinem 25:31:20 · 3. Julia Hartig 25:58:03
2025
- Men: 1. Reese Slobodianuk 14:15:22 (course record) · 2. Brandon Talisesky 17:06:55 · 3. Dustin Parrish 18:28:42
- Women: 1. Emily Muhs 19:43:54 · 2. Lindsey Duffield 21:48:38 · 3. Mary Kronable 22:04:04
2024
- Men: 1. Brian Simonick 15:43:53 · 2. Alec Cline 16:33:26 · 3. Paul Hartwig 18:29:00
- Women: 1. Allisan Barrett 19:04:47 · 2. Katherine Hunter 20:06:04 · 3. Rachel Burke 21:17:46
Registration deadline & how to get in
Lottery registration via UltraSignup runs December 1–30, with the field typically filling. Registration closes May 30 for anyone selected or moving up from the waitlist. Spots are set aside for runners completing the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultra-Running, of which Kettle Moraine is one leg.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.