Race Overview
The Kettle Moraine 100 mile endurance run is a Midwest classic ultramarathon held each June in Wisconsin’s scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest (established 1996). The race features two out-and-back legs: the first leg covers 62.9 miles, and the second leg covers 37.3 miles, both starting and finishing at Nordic Trailhead. The course runs primarily on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (65 miles of the total course) and is 100% trail except for brief road crossings.
The course features 8,800 feet of elevation gain and loss with characteristic ‘roller coaster’ hills, rocks, roots, and beautiful pine sections throughout the forest. What makes Kettle Moraine unique is its friendly community atmosphere and experienced Midwest ultra vibe, creating an authentic Wisconsin trail running experience.
Known for its challenging but fair course design and exceptional community support, Kettle Moraine attracts both competitive ultrarunners and those seeking their first 100-mile finish in a supportive Midwest environment. The race has earned recognition as one of the premier ultramarathons in the Great Lakes region, representing the growing strength of Midwest trail ultrarunning culture.
How to Qualify & Enter
The Kettle Moraine 100 uses a lottery system for entry that opens on November 1st each year. The race typically attracts around 400 participants across all distance categories including the 100-mile, 100K, 50K, and 38-mile night run. Due to the race’s popularity and limited field size, sell-outs are common.
• Entry Process: Registration and lottery entry available through kettlemoraine100.com
• Field Size: Approximately 400 runners total (all distances combined)
• Race Distances: 100-mile, 100K, 50K, 38-mile night run
• Qualification Requirements: No specific ultra qualifier required
• Age Requirement: Must be 18+ years old on race day
• Entry Timeline: Lottery typically opens November 1st
• Selection: Entry is determined through lottery system due to high demand
The race welcomes both experienced ultramarathoners and those seeking their first 100-mile finish, making it accessible to runners of various experience levels. The lottery system ensures fair access to this popular Midwest ultramarathon.
Course Layout
The Kettle Moraine 100 is a two out-and-back course starting and finishing at Nordic Trailhead. The race consists of two legs: the first leg is 62.9 miles out to Scuppernong and back, followed by a second leg of 37.3 miles out to Rice Lake and back. The course runs primarily on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (65 miles of the total course) and is 100% trail except for brief road crossings.
The course features 8,800 feet of elevation gain and loss with characteristic ‘roller coaster’ hills, rocks, roots, and beautiful pine sections throughout Wisconsin’s scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest. The race provides 21 staffed aid stations and 8 unstaffed water stops. Drop bags are not permitted at unstaffed aid stations.
Field Size
• Total Field: ~400 runners (all distances combined)
• Distances Offered: 100-mile, 100K, 50K, 38-mile night run
• Time Cutoff: 30 hours overall with hard cutoffs at various aid stations
• 100K drop-down option available at 62.9 miles (receives 100K finisher award)
• Must keep ahead of cutoffs or will be pulled from the race
• Relaxed cutoff policy if within 30 minutes at Emma Carlin with pacer
Rules
• No littering – Be courteous to other trail users and the environment
• Stay on trail and follow all course markings – No cutting the course
• All runners must wear timing chip and race number at all times
• Pacers allowed after 62.9 miles AND after 6:30pm
• Crew access only at designated official crew points
• No crew access at Tamarack, Horseriders, Wilton Rd, Duffin, or Antique aid stations
• Hydration is required – carry water between aid stations
• Obey all instructions from race staff and medical personnel
• All drop bags must be clearly marked with runner information
Aid Stations
Major staffed aid stations are positioned approximately every 4-6 miles and include:
• Nordic Start/Finish
• Bluff
• Emma Carlin
• Highway 67
• Scuppernong
• Rice Lake
• Horseriders
• Tamarack
• And additional stations throughout the course
Crew access is available at selected aid stations only. Crews are NOT permitted at Tamarack, Horseriders, Wilton Rd, Duffin, or Antique aid stations. All drop bags must be clearly marked with runner information.
Recent Champions
2025 | Reese Slobodianuk | 14:15:22 | Emily Muhs | 19:43:54
2024 | Alec Cline
2023 | Brian Simonick
2022 | Michelle Magagna | 16:58:18*
*Course Record
Official Website & Contact Info
• Website: kettlemoraine100.com
• Race Director: Michele Hartwig
• Registration: Available through kettlemoraine100.com (lottery system)
• Email: Contact via kettlemoraine100.com website