Driftless 50 Trail Race Report 2016: Record Flooding Disrupts Event

Bridge 13 at Kickapoo Valley Reserve 2016

I was very sad to announce that the trails of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve closed due to flooding
of the Kickapoo River on our Driftless 50 Trail Race weekend. Not only did we have trail closures, but also roads were impassable and made it impossible to re-route our runners. For this reason, we were unable to host the Driftless 50 Trail Races this year for the safety of our runners.

Thank you to our runners, volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible every year.

About Driftless 50 Trails

The Driftless 50 Trail Races are staged at Cheyenne Creek Farm and hosted on the trails of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. The race was started in 2012 by the Haydam Family and annually held on the last weekend of September during peak Fall Color season. With challenging hill climbs, technical trail, water crossings and a variety of trail experiences, the Driftless 50 Trail Races offers runners a scenic and unique run through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, also known as The Driftless Area. Timing is supplied by Grand Bluff Race Management out of La Crosse, WI.

About the Kickapoo Valley Reserve

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is a breathtaking network of trails, located in La Farge, Wisconsin with the twisting and turning Kickapoo River making it's way through the center.  The reserve was saved by local groups and ecological preservation groups in the late 70s when a proposal for the La Farge Dam threatened local residents and farms in the area. The reserve is maintained by staff supported by the State of Wisconsin, but most management of the reserve is financed through educational programs, special events and annual trail/hunting permits. Learn more about the history of The Kickapoo Valley Reserve and even more about the historic Kickapoo River in our next blog post.

View Trail Report Here

DRIFTLESS 50 Race Day Guidelines 2016

We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday September 24th, 2016 at the DRIFTLESS 50k, Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, and 10k Trail Races! The race courses this year include the trails of The Kickapoo Valley Reserve and our own Cheyenne Creek Farm Trails.

SHARE THE TRAILS 

The trails of both the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and hunters. Please wear bright colored shirts and yield to mountain bikers and equestrians. Announce to horse riders in a clear, calm voice that you are approaching and let them pass if you do encounter them on the trail. Horses are unpredictable animals and will most likely spook at a runner. Please share the trails!

HEADPHONES

I will allow headphones for all races this year, however, please be VERY aware of your surroundings while plugged in. Keep your eyes up and try to keep the volume on your device at a minimum. Remember, you will possibly be sharing the trails this year with equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers. They will most likely not see you coming!

WEATHER

The forecast for Friday & Saturday September 23-24, 2016 is shaping up to be a good one! It will probably be pretty chilly in the morning and rain might be expected. If you dress in layers, during your run, you can leave your item at any Aid Station w/ your Bib # attached for identification. Please do not discard clothing along the trail!

TRASH & WRAPPERS

Please hold on to your energy supplement wrappers, kleenex, water bottles, etc etc until you arrive at an Aid Station. Please keep these trails clean.  Please leave no trace!

HYDRATION

 I highly recommend using hand held water bottles, hydration packs and/or vests for the 50k, Marathon and Half Marathon Courses. There are 4 main Aid Stations (runners pass x2) total. 3 for the 50k, 2 for the Marathon Course and 3-4 water stops. The Half Marathon has 1 main Aid Station (runners pass x2) and 2-3 water stops. Please see maps for details and carry enough water to stay safely hydrated.

AID STATIONS

There are 3 main Aid Stations (runners pass x2) on the 50k course plus 2-3 water stops and access to a port potty just over half way. There are 2 Main Aid Stations for the Marathon Course (runners pass x2) and 2-3 water stops. The Half Marathon has 1 main Aid Station (runners pass x2) 2-3 water stop. The 10k has 1 main Aid Station (runners pass x2) and 1 water stop. If you cannot finish the race, please notify the Aid Station Leader and the Sag Wag will come rescue you! If you need 1st Aid, there will be 1st Aid Kits available for superficial treatment (anything more serious and transport via Sag Wag to Medical Tent will be provided).

Aid Stations will be stocked with but not limited to: 

• Water
• Energy Drink
• Coke
• Bananas & Orange Slices
• Trail Mix
• Homemade Oatmeal Raisin & Chocolate Chip Cookies  (mmmmm!)
• Goodies
• Pretzels & Potato Chips
• Bagels
• Peanut Butter

TRAIL MAPS

Please click the links below to view course maps. We will have maps for runners and spectators at Packet Pick Up/ Registration.

**50k RUNNERS:

START TIME: 7:00 AM

Familiarize yourselves with the trails that will be used on your course. You are starting on Cheyenne Creek Trails and heading out to Kickapoo Valley Reserve Trails, ending back at Cheyenne Creek Farm. The trails are clearly marked, but run into many other different (not used) trails on the Reserve Course. Keep an eye out for arrows, ground paint and ORANGE Flags. You are finishing the race on Cheyenne Creek Trails.**

50k Trails include in this order starting on Cheyenne Creek Trails and heading out along County Rd F

1. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station)
2. Dutch Hollow Trail 
3. Rockton Trail (Aid Station) 
4. Indian Creek Trail  
5. Black Hawk Rock Trail  
6. Bridge 14 Trail  
7. Ma & Pa's Trail (Water Crossing) 
8. Hanson Rock Trail 
9. West Ridge Trail (Aid Station Here on Corps Rd)  
10. Old Hwy 131 Trail 
11. Rockton Bypass Trail  
12. Rockton Trail (Aid Station)  
13. Dutch Hollow Trail  
14. Hay Valley Trail  
15. Bailout Trail  (Sentry)
16. Road Crossing Here to Billings Creek Trail 
17. Billings Creek Trail (Water Crossing)
18. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station) 
19. Finish Cheyenne Creek Farm Trails.

View 50k Trail Map Map My Run

View Kickapoo Valley Reserve Map

**MARATHON RUNNERS

START TIME: 7:30 AM

Familiarize yourselves with the trails that will be used on your course. You are starting on Cheyenne Creek Trails and heading out to Kickapoo Valley Reserve Trails, ending back at Cheyenne Creek Farm. The trails are clearly marked, but run into many other different (not used) trails on the Reserve Course. Keep an eye out for arrows, ground paint and GREEN Flags. You are finishing the race on Cheyenne Creek Trails.**

Marathon Trails include in this order starting on Cheyenne Creek Trails and heading out to...

1. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station)
2. Dutch Hollow Trail 
3. Rockton Trail (Aid Station) 
4. Indian Creek Trail  
5. Black Hawk Rock Trail  
6. Bridge 14 Trail  
7. Ma & Pa's Trail (Water Crossing) 
8. Hanson Rock Trail 
9. West Ridge Trail 
10. Little Canada Trail
11. Old Hwy 131 Trail 
12. Rockton Bypass Trail  
13. Rockton Trail (Aid Station)  
14. Dutch Hollow Trail  
15. Hay Valley Trail  
16. Bailout Trail  (Sentry)
17. Road Crossing Here to Billings Creek Trail 
18. Billings Creek Trail (Water Crossing)
19. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station) 
20. Finish Cheyenne Creek Farm Trails.

View Marathon Map My Run Map
View Kickapoo Valley Reserve Map

**HALF MARATHON RUNNERS:

START TIME: 8:00 AM

You are starting on Cheyenne Creek Trails and heading out to Kickapoo Valley Reserve Trails, ending back at Cheyenne Creek Farm. The trails are clearly marked, but run into many other different (not used) trails on the Reserve Course. Keep an eye out for arrows, ground paint and YELLOW Flags. You are finishing the race on Cheyenne Creek Trails.**

1. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station)
2. Bailout Trail  (Sentry)
3. Road Crossing Here to Billings Creek Trail 
4. Billings Creek Trail (Water Crossing)
5. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station) 
6. Finish Cheyenne Creek Farm Trails.

View Half Marathon Map My Run Map

View Kickapoo Valley Reserve Map

**10K RUNNERS

START TIME: 9:00 AM

You are running out on Cheyenne Creek Trails to Hay Valley and then to Kickapoo Valley Reserve Billings Creek Trail. (Aid Station)  You will turn around and finish on the Cheyenne Creek Camp Trails. Your trails are marked with RED Flags, arrows and ground paint.**

1. Hay Valley Trail (Aid Station)
2. Billings Creek Trail (Turn Around!) 
3. Hay Valley Trail 
4. Finish Cheyenne Creek Farm Trails. 

View 10k Map My Run Map

View Kickapoo Valley Reserve Map

FOOD & DRINKS

Runners will have access to coffee, hot chocolate, pre/post race food and water coolers at the Start/Finish, Aid Stations and Water Stations. Please bring your own water bottles, hydration packs for fill ups.

Thank you again and we'll see you on race day!