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I love this race. It's a combination loop and out and back with the course shaped a bit like a T. There is easy crew access with big parking lots along the course, though it can take a bit of time to drive rural Wisconsin roads between crewed aid stations. The aid stations are stocked well with food, water, HEED hydration. Several have popsicles and coolers of ice that volunteers are more than willing to shove into a bandana, buff, or waist belt. Most have sponges and buckets of cool water. The volunteers work quickly and will do exactly what runners ask.
The race has a 12 hour cut off, which feels like a stretch for some new 50 mile runners. It has about 6400 feet of elevation gain/loss and miles 4-9 are steep rollercoaster hills. It can be a tough start for some. This year was particularly warm and sunny. That impacted much of the field in the second half of the race. I saw some heat-related carnage at aid stations. Nevertheless, runners that used the resources available and stayed on top of cooling, hydration, and fueling did well.
I raced a 33 minute course PR and placed 12 places lower for women than last year. It is incredible to see the increase in women and fast female runners at this event. I suspect Ice Age will be a place where a lot of Midwest runners get their start before taking off to larger national stages.
The finish line BBQ is wonderful! All runners can load up a plate of food and get a beer from a local brewery. Food options included vegetarian and vegan options. They always have plenty of food and lots of options - burgers, hot dogs, cookies, pasta salad, chips, veggies, pop, etc. I so appreciate when a finish line has bottles of water so runners can hydrate while they refuel.
It was beautiful weather this year, so the party was especially exciting. There isn't a ton of room at the finish line area, but the parking lot is nice and big and many runners were camped out in chairs by their vehicles. We didn't stay for the final finisher this year, but there is high vibes until the 12 hour cut off. Everyone is cheered in by big crowds, making the back of the pack runners just as valued as the podium finishers.
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