Sugar Badger 50 Mile - Trail Running Book

🕓 Race Day Check-In for 50 Mile

When: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Where: Belleville Community Park, 39 N River Street, Belleville, WI
Check-in Time: 4:30 – 5:30 AM
Pre-Race Briefing: 5:45 AM
Race Start: 6:00 AM sharp
Cutoff: 8:00 PM (14-hour limit)

🔖 What You’ll Get at Check-In

Bib with timing chip (wear it on your outer layer and keep it visible)
Shirt and swag (if you didn’t already get it Friday)
Drop bag drop-off (if you’re bringing it race morning—must be in by 6:00 AM)

To finish the Sugar Badger 50 Mile within the 14-hour cutoff, the slowest average pace you can maintain is:

🐢 16 minutes and 48 seconds per mile

Here’s the math:

Total time allowed: 14 hours = 840 minutes
Distance: 50 miles
840 minutes ÷ 50 miles = 16.8 minutes per mile = 16:48 pace

So, as long as you stay under 16:48 per mile (including aid station stops), you’re golden.

🗓️ RACE SCHEDULE

📦 Packet Pickup:

Friday, May 23, 2025
- 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Dot’s Tavern (6734 Henry Rd., Belleville, WI)

✅ Race Day Check-In:

Saturday, May 24, 2025
- 4:30 – 5:30 AM at Belleville Community Park (39 N River Street)
- 5:45 AM: Pre-race briefing
- 6:00 AM: RACE START
- 8:00 PM: Cutoff time (14-hour limit)

🏁 THE COURSE

Distance: 50 miles (Out and back)
Surface: 99% rail trail (smooth sand/dirt/gravel/grass), 1% asphalt
Elevation: Very flat and runnable (no major hills)
Course Map: Route Link

⛺ CAMPING

Free camping at Belleville Community Park (Race HQ)
Allowed from noon Friday until 9 AM Sunday
Small trailers and grills are okay (no open fires)
No camping around Pavilion #1 (Race HQ) or on the ball fields

🚗 PARKING

Park at the designated west end of Belleville Community Park
Follow all posted signs and don’t block driveways or paths

🏃‍♂️ PACERS

Allowed starting at mile 25.97 (Brodhead Aid Station)
Must arrange their own transport to/from the course
Only one pacer at a time
Pacers can use aid station food/drink
No muling – you must carry your own gear

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 CREW

Crew is only allowed at:
- Monticello Aid Station (mile 9.46 and 40.42)
- Brodhead Aid Station (mile 24.9)
Crew at any other location = disqualification

🧳 DROP BAGS

Allowed at Monticello (9.46 & 40.42 mi) and Brodhead (24.9 mi)
Drop off at packet pickup OR before 6:00 AM on race day
Label clearly with Name, Bib #, and Aid Station Name
Max size: 12” x 12” x 36”, under 15 lbs
No valuables or glass; bags returned to finish line by 8 PM

🥨 AID STATIONS

Aid stations roughly every 4–7 miles, stocked with:

Water, UCAN electrolyte drink
PB&J, cookies, candy, chips, soda
Some warm food
Fireball (maybe 😉)
Bathrooms or portapotties at all aid stations
Bring your own nutrition if you have dietary restrictions (vegan, keto, gluten-free, etc.)

🎖️ AWARDS

All finishers (within 14 hours) get a custom finisher award
Top 3 finishers in each division (Female/Open) get special awards
Optional personalized plaque available via Etsy:
Souvenir Plaque

⏱️ TIMING + RESULTS

Chip timed (chip is on your bib – wear it on outer layer, visible)
Live results posted at Ten Junk Miles Racing

⚠️ RULES TO REMEMBER

No littering (seriously, or you’ll be banned and publicly shamed on their podcast)
Don’t enter the closed Stewart Tunnel – automatic DQ
Know the tunnel detour: stay on the west side of Tunnel Road
No switching distances mid-race (a DNF is a DNF)
No outside aid except at crew stations
Be kind to volunteers – no abuse tolerated
No stashing supplies along the trail
If you drop, notify an aid station immediately

🐶 CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Yes, if they are:

On a leash
Well-behaved

🍕 POST-RACE FOOD & DRINK

Free pizza & beer at the finish line for all runners
Courtesy of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce

🎒 RECOMMENDED DROP BAG GEAR

Extra headlamp, batteries
Socks/shoes/shirt
Jacket & gloves
Electrolytes, meds, snacks
Charging pack & cord
Blister kit & wet wipes
Glitter and Johnny Cash albums (optional… kinda 😉)

🧮 PACING INFO

To finish in 14 hours, you must average:

16:48 min/mile

To be safe, aim for 15:30–16:00 pace early on to build a buffer

❓ANY QUESTIONS?

Contact Race Directors:

Scotty Kummer – 312-523-6725
Kylia Kummer – 312-532-7166

“Out and Back” means:

You’ll run 25 miles out from the start, then turn around and run the same 25 miles back to the finish.

For the Sugar Badger 50 Mile:

You start at Belleville Community Park (Race HQ)
You follow the trail south all the way to Brodhead Aid Station (mile 24.9)
You turn around there and run the same trail back to Belleville
You finish at the same place you started

So it’s one long continuous trail out to the halfway point, then you retrace your steps all the way back.

The Sugar Badger 50 Mile course is not singletrack.

It’s a rail trail, which means:

Wide and flat — plenty of room to run side-by-side
A surface mix of dirt, gravel, sand, and grass
Very smooth and non-technical — no roots, rocks, or tricky terrain
Not paved, but still easy on the legs and great for consistent pacing

It’s perfect for first-time ultrarunners or anyone wanting a low-stress, scenic course.

🏁 Start/Finish

Belleville Community Park – Mile 0 and 50
Race HQ, packet pickup (race day), camping, food & beer at the finish.

📍Aid Stations (AS) – Outbound and Return Miles

1. Tunnel Rd. AS

Mile 3.82 (out) / Mile 48.12 (return)
No crew access
Full aid station

2. Hollywood / Monticello AS

Mile 9.46 (out) / Mile 42.48 (return)
Crew and drop bags allowed here
A key aid station where you can get resupplied

3. Tin Can Rd. AS

Mile 15.73 (out) / Mile 36.21 (return)
No crew
Full aid station
Near the turnaround point for the 50K runners

4. Trail Rd. AS

Mile 20.88 (out) / Mile 31.06 (return)
No crew
Aid and support

5. Brodhead AS – TURNAROUND

Mile 25.97 (exact halfway point)
Crew, pacers, and drop bags allowed
Full aid station
This is where you reverse direction and head back to Belleville

🧭 Course Style

Out-and-back format: Run to Brodhead, then return the same way
You’ll pass all the same aid stations twice, once on the way out and once on the way back
Mostly wide rail trail, not technical

📌 Map Notes

The numbered dots represent mileage markers
The aid station labels show both outbound and return mile numbers (like AS-9.46/42.48)
The route follows the Badger State Trail and Sugar River Trail, known for scenic rural Wisconsin views, bridges, and small towns

If you start the 50 miler at 6:00 AM and take the full 14 hours, you’ll finish at:

🕗 8:00 PM

That’s the official cutoff time — you need to cross the finish line by then to be considered an official finisher and receive your award.

🏃 Race Day: Saturday, May 24, 2025
– 50 miler starts at 6:00 AM, ends by 8:00 PM

⛺ Camping Ends: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
– You’re allowed to stay Saturday night after the race to rest, eat, and recover
– Just make sure your tent/trailer is packed up and you’re out of Belleville Community Park by 9:00 AM on Sunday

There are no showers mentioned in the official 2025 Sugar Badger Race Book for runners or campers at Belleville Community Park.

However, here’s what you can do:

🚿 Shower Alternatives

Bring a solar camp shower or rinse-off setup if you’re camping
Use wet wipes or no-rinse body wipes (a common ultra-runner hack)
Check for nearby gyms or pools that offer day passes (sometimes local YMCAs or fitness centers will let you shower for a fee)
Hotels in Monroe, New Glarus, or Verona may let you pay for a shower if you’re not staying overnight — call and ask!

You can absolutely swim in the lake at the start/finish area — it’s right by Belleville Community Park, which is Race HQ.

From the race FAQ:

“Can we swim in the lake at the finish line?
Of course.”

So after you finish your 50-miler, feel free to cool off in the lake! 🧊🏊‍♀️ Just bring a towel, sandals, and maybe a change of clothes to make it a chill post-race dip. It’s a great way to celebrate finishing 50 miles and soothe those tired legs.

Absolutely! Once you’ve packed up and checked out of camping at Belleville Community Park by 9:00 AM on Sunday, you can stick around town and make the most of the area — including kayaking on the lake or the Sugar River.

🚣‍♀️ Kayaking Info:

🌊 Where:

The lake right next to the park connects to the Sugar River, offering a scenic and peaceful paddle experience. It’s calm and beginner-friendly.

🛶 Rentals:

You can rent kayaks (or canoes!) from:

👉 Sugar River Outfitters

Email: [email protected]
Local business located right in Belleville
They offer kayak and canoe rentals to explore Lake Belle View and the Sugar River
You can launch right from the park

🧭 Paddle Options:

Stay on the lake for a relaxing float
Paddle down the Sugar River for a longer and scenic route — meanders past Exeter and surrounding countryside

🕒 Make a Morning of It:

After your 50-mile race, Sunday morning kayaking is a great way to:

Loosen up your legs
Enjoy the peaceful nature of Belleville
Extend your weekend in a super chill way

Sleeping in your Subaru Outback is totally doable and a solid alternative (or complement) to tent camping for race weekend! 🛻💤 Here’s how to make it comfortable, stealthy, and safe from Friday to Sunday:

🛠️ Setup Tips

🛏️ Sleeping Platform

Fold the back seats down flat
Lay out a foam sleeping pad, air mattress, or memory foam topper (the Outback fits someone up to 6′ comfortably when seats are down)
Add a sleeping bag or cozy comforter + pillow
Optional: Cut a piece of ½” foam board to level out bumps under your bedding

🌡️ Ventilation

Crack your windows a little for airflow (use mesh bug screens or window vent visors to keep insects out)
No screens? DIY with magnetic mesh, or wedge in strips of bug netting

🕶️ Privacy + Light Control

Use reflectix panels, a sunshade, or blackout curtains for your windows
Clip up a towel or blanket between the front seats for privacy

🧼 Hygiene Hacks

Body wipes and dry shampoo = lifesavers
Keep a water jug with spout and soap for handwashing
Small trash bag for wrappers, wipes, etc.
A jug and funnel or female urinal can help for midnight emergencies

❄️ Weather Prep

Layer up: It might get chilly at night in Wisconsin in May (bring a hoodie, thermal base layers, maybe a beanie)
Ventilation is key to avoid condensation inside
If it’s warm, battery fans + mesh screens are clutch

🗺️ Where to Park Overnight

Since you’re attending the Sugar Badger, you can:
- Sleep in your Outback at Belleville Community Park (official camping is allowed there Friday–Sunday, including in vehicles)
- Just follow the park’s rules (don’t block access, avoid Pavilion #1/camp only in designated areas)
- Park level, safe, and out of main traffic flow

☀️ Bonus Comfort Tips

Bring earplugs and an eye mask
Keep snacks, water, and a headlamp within reach
A small battery lantern or dim LED strip light adds cozy vibes

🧭 FRIDAY vs. SATURDAY Arrival Options

✅ Option 1: Arrive Friday (Best for Relaxed Vibes)

Goal: Make packet pickup at Dot’s Tavern (5:00–8:00 PM)

🕐 What Time to Leave (Estimate)

Try to arrive in Belleville, WI by 4:30 PM
Account for traffic (especially Friday rush hour if coming from Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, etc.)
Pad in 30–60 extra minutes for stops, gas, or last-minute errands

🏕️ What You Gain:

Early packet pickup = 1 less thing on race morning
Time to set up your tent or car-camp spot before dark
You’ll sleep better and feel calmer knowing everything’s ready

✅ Option 2: Arrive Saturday Morning

Goal: Make race-day check-in (4:30–5:30 AM)

🕓 What Time to Leave

Aim to arrive in Belleville by 4:15 AM
Work backwards from your drive time, and add buffer
Consider gas station hours—not all are open pre-4 AM

⚠️ Risks:

Sleep deprivation if you leave super early
Potential race morning stress
No time to troubleshoot gear issues or eat a real meal

🧠 Race Planning Tips (Before You Go)

📦 Drop Bag Checklist (Pack Friday!)

Extra socks, shoes, headlamp, food/snacks
Electrolytes, salt pills, pain relievers, wet wipes
Jacket/gloves/layers (in case weather turns)
Clearly label with Name + Bib # + Aid Station

🎒 Must-Haves in Your Race Pack:

Refillable bottles or hydration pack
Nutrition you know works (gels, bars, chews, real food)
Sunscreen, chapstick, sunglasses
Lightweight windbreaker (even if it’s warm later)

⛽ Night-Before Checklist (Whether Sleeping in Car or Tent)

Lay out race kit (clothes, shoes, socks, bib if already picked up)
Set multiple alarms (watch, phone, backup)
Charge phone, watch, headlamp, etc.
Eat a solid dinner—nothing risky. Carbs, salt, water.
Avoid alcohol (even though Dot’s Tavern might tempt you 😉)
Hydrate well but taper fluids after 7–8 PM to avoid night pee trips

🍳 RACE MORNING ROUTINE (Ideal Timeline)

Time	Task
3:45 AM	Wake up, coffee/snack, bathroom
4:15 AM	Head to Belleville Community Park (if not already there)
4:30–5:30 AM	Race check-in and final gear check
5:45 AM	Pre-race briefing
6:00 AM	START LINE

🧡 Final Tips from Trail Veterans:

Don’t go out too fast—that trail is friendly early on and will tempt you
Walk early and often—start fueling/hydrating in hour 1
Smile at the aid stations—they’ll take better care of you 😄
Don’t skip calories—you’ll need 200–300 per hour
When in doubt, slow down, smile, and keep moving forward

🧠 MIND TIPS: MENTAL STRATEGIES TO FINISH

1. Break It Down

Don’t think “50 miles.” Think:
- “Just get to the next aid station”
- “Run for 30 minutes, then walk 5”
- “Eat every 45 mins”
Treat it like a series of small missions, not one giant one

2. Make Peace With the Lows

You will feel crappy at some point. That’s normal.
Tell yourself: “This is a low. It will pass.”
Eat something salty or sweet, sip electrolytes, keep moving forward

3. Mantra Time

Have a go-to phrase ready when it gets hard:
- “I’m stronger than I think.”
- “Relentless forward motion.”
- “Smile, fuel, move.”
Say it out loud if you need to—it grounds you and resets your brain

4. Visualize Your Finish

When it gets tough, picture the finish line, the lake, pizza, the medal, your people
Imagine texting “I DID IT” or posting the medal pic

5. Stay Present

Don’t worry about mile 37 when you’re at mile 12
Focus on your breath, your steps, the scenery
The more you stay in the now, the faster time will pass

💪 BODY TIPS: PHYSICAL STRATEGIES TO SURVIVE + THRIVE

1. Start Slow—Then Go Slower

Pace yourself like you’re running 100 miles, not 5K
Going out too fast = suffering later
Stay in a pace where your breathing is relaxed and you can eat

2. Fuel Early, Often, and No Excuses

Eat 200–300 calories/hour starting in hour 1
Mix real food (PB&J, fruit, chips) with gels or chews
Sip water/electrolytes continuously—not just when thirsty

3. Walk the Hills/Breaks Intentionally

Use walk breaks before you’re destroyed
Keep it brisk, purposeful—don’t stroll, but don’t sprint

4. Feet = Priority #1

Lube feet (Trail Toes, Vaseline, etc.) before race
Change socks at mile 25 drop bag if sweaty/wet
If you feel a hotspot, stop and fix it early—don’t “run through” it

5. Adapt to the Conditions

Hot? Slow down, dump water on your head
Cold? Keep moving, have gloves/jacket in drop bag
Trail is flat—great! But that means less muscle variation, so move/stretch occasionally

🎯 IN YOUR CONTROL:

Pace
Fuel
Attitude
Movement
Hydration

❌ OUT OF YOUR CONTROL:

Weather
Other runners
Unexpected discomfort
→ Accept these, adjust, and keep moving

🏁 RACE DAY MANTRA:

“This is hard. I knew it would be. I trained for this. I’m ready. Let’s go.”

🧠 MIND: FINISH-LINE MINDSET (Miles 30+)

🔄 6. Create a Mental Loop

At some point, your legs will feel heavy and your brain will scream “STOP.” This is when your mental loop needs to kick in:

Your “why” (Who are you doing this for? Yourself? Someone you love?)
Your anchor mantra (e.g., “Strong, calm, forward”)
A power memory (picture yourself crossing the finish)

Keep cycling these in your mind. Over and over. This keeps the doubt out.

🧠 7. Name Your Pain—Then Negotiate With It

Label what hurts: “OK, this is my left quad.”
Now respond: “You’re tired. That’s fine. But we’re not stopping.”
Talk to your pain with respect, not panic

🎧 8. Save a Playlist or Podcast for Later

At mile 35+, music or a new podcast can boost morale
Pick something uplifting or funny to break the mental fatigue

💪 BODY: FINISH STRONG PHYSICALLY

🦶 6. Late-Mile Stretch + Reset

Stop briefly at an aid station: stretch your calves, roll your shoulders, shake out your arms
It’s not “wasting time” — it refreshes muscles that are on autopilot

🧃 7. Sugar and Salt Strategy

Start conservative, end aggressive:
- If you’re dragging at mile 38, take in some sugar (cola, candy)
- Add electrolytes if your legs feel twitchy/crampy
Sugar = quick energy
Salt = hydration balance

🧊 8. Cool Down Tactics

If it’s hot and you’re overheating:
- Wet your hat, sleeves, or bandana at an aid station
- Sip water slowly instead of chugging
- Walk a bit longer and breathe deep until your temp drops

🚨 COMMON PITFALLS + HOW TO BEAT THEM

🚧 Problem	💡 Fix
Going out too fast	Set a slow watch alarm pace for the first 10 miles
Skipping calories	Eat every 30–45 minutes, even if you’re “not hungry”
Foot blisters	Lube before race; stop and change socks at first hint of discomfort
Mental crash	Fuel, walk, breathe, say your mantra, use music
GI issues	Eat bland (PB&J, chips); sip coke or ginger ale; slow down

🧾 A FEW FINAL GAME-CHANGERS

📍 Drop Bag Tip

Use your mile 25 drop bag as a reset station. Include:

New socks, fresh shirt
Favorite snack/treat
Short written note to yourself (“You’ve come this far. You can go back.”)

👥 Use the People Around You

Say thank you at aid stations—it gives you a mental boost
Talk to other runners if you’re in a funk; they get it
If you pick up a pacer at Brodhead, let them talk you through tough miles

🎉 Finish Line Visualization

In your mind, rehearse: “I will see the lake. I will hear people. I will cross the line.”
Picture this over and over. That finish is waiting for you.

You’ve trained, you’ve planned, and now you’re ready.
You’re not trying to win. You’re here to finish. That’s what makes you unstoppable.

☕ EAT + DRINK LOCAL

🍔 Pre- or Post-Race Food

Dot’s Tavern – You’ll be there for packet pickup Friday, but stick around for a drink or burger!
Benny’s Diner – Cozy spot for a big breakfast (great Sunday option!)
Paoli Schoolhouse Café – A charming nearby café for a post-race treat
Sugar River Pizza (Verona) – Awesome pizza and salads just a short drive away
Jangle’s on Main – Coffee, treats, and small bites in Belleville

🛍️ SHOP SMALL

Visit the Belleville Farmers Market (if it’s open while you’re in town)
Check out Main Street shops for handmade items, gifts, or snacks
Buy from local gear or hardware stores instead of big chains if you need any last-minute race supplies

🛶 BOOK LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Sugar River Outfitters – Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake and river (even post-race)
Take a bike ride on the Badger State Trail and stop in Paoli or Monticello for coffee or lunch

💸 OTHER WAYS TO GIVE BACK

Tip generously at local diners, taverns, or coffee shops
Thank staff and volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce, who help support the event
Leave a positive Google/Yelp review if you enjoyed a place — it helps more than you think
Ask your race crew to shop or dine locally while you’re on the course

🗣️ SPREAD THE WORD

Tag local spots on social media when you visit (helps boost visibility)
Use hashtags like #BellevilleWI, #SupportLocal, #SugarBadgerTrailRace
Tell other runners where you went and what you liked!

☕️ Coffee & Treats

Jangle’s on Main – A charming little coffee shop in Belleville offering espresso, ice cream, smoothies, and cozy vibes. Great for a low-key pre-race morning or post-race chill.
Lingonberry Llama (in nearby Mount Horeb) – A funky local café with craft coffee and Scandinavian flair.

🧀 Local Snacks + Wisconsin Flavor

Decatur Dairy (Brodhead, WI) – If you want a true Wisconsin cheese experience, this spot is amazing. Fresh curds, spreads, and small-batch cheeses.
The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub (Mount Horeb) – Family-owned brewpub with good food and local beer—great post-race treat if you want to venture out a bit.

🖼️ Local Artists + Makers

The Artisan Gallery (Paoli, WI) – A hidden gem showcasing handmade art, ceramics, jewelry, and paintings from regional artists. Really unique if you want a keepsake.
Paoli Clay Company – Handmade pottery studio just down the trail from Belleville. Super welcoming to visitors.

🍦 Hidden Foodie Finds

Cave of the Mounds Snack Bar (Blue Mounds) – They often have homemade pies and baked goods—even if you’re not doing the cave tour.
The Belleville Piggly Wiggly – While a grocery store, it’s locally owned and stocks locally made snacks, jerky, kombucha, and even craft beer from tiny WI brewers.

🛶 Local Nature/Adventure Providers

Sugar River Outfitters (Belleville) – Mentioned before, but it’s a tiny biz run by locals who care deeply about the river. You can rent a kayak or even schedule a guided float.
New Glarus Woods State Park – If you’re sticking around Sunday, a short hike and $8 park admission supports Wisconsin DNR’s local parks.

🎁 Small Ways to Support

Buy a magnet, sticker, or postcard from a local gift shop or café
Drop a few bucks in the local tip jars or donation boxes (some shops support food banks or school groups)
Ask a shop owner, “What’s something only locals buy here?” — they’ll appreciate your interest