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COURSE DETAILS

THE ROUTE & TERRAIN

A challenging, scenic 4.167 mile loop through the forests, fields and rolling terrain of Wausau's north side. Mix of single track, wooded trail, grass and gravel.
Same loop, every hour.

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4.167
MILES

~600 FT
ELEVEVATION GAIN
PER LOOP

PER LOOP
SAME ROUTE.
EVERY HOUR.

TERRAIN BREAKDOWN

33%
SINGLE TRACK

33%

GRASS

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33%

GRAVEL

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

Nice wide start and smooth trail for the first 1.25 miles to sort out your position. Drop down along the stream before heading into single track and your 2nd significant climb. Once on top, nice wide grass section for about 3/4 of a mile. Then enter a big technical down and back up woods section, work across the single track ridge and end your lap smooth sailing down a big grassy downhill.

THE WORD ON
THE TRAIL

"Terrifying ankle-breaking downhill into soul-sucking, never-ending uphill, on repeat, forever and ever amen. Complete with the best RDs ever hiding in trees to document the ultimate sufferfest" 😅 JUST KIDDING (kind of 😁)
-Jenny Pentinmaki

The freshly remapped WausaUltra course gives you a taste of some of the best views in town, mixed with some of the best technical single track in the area. Its mix of gradual, but steady climbs, exposed rocky single track, and flowing gravel stretches make for a mix of terrain that is sure to keep your brain and body engaged for as long as you can tolerate! 10/10 would recommend -Joe Pilecky

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GEAR & PREP

BUILD YOUR BASE CAMP

Be ready or a long day... or days. Here's what to bring to stay comfortable, safe, and prepared for whatever the Northwoods spring throws your way.

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SHELTER & REST

Bring a 10x10 tent, stakes, cot/chair, blankets, lights, and heater.
No generators or open fires please.

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WISCONSIN WARDROBE

Layers are key.
Bring clothing for all conditions, and spare. Plus extra socks and shoes.

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NIGHT GEAR

Headlamps are mandatory for night loops.

Bring extra batteries and a backup light.

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BODY MAINTENANCE

Anti-chafe, blister care, sunblock, and personal supplies. Bring power banks to keep devices charged.

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SAFETY & SUPPORT

We're in this together. On-site volunteer medical professionals help keep our runners safe throughout the event. Race Director Ellen and the team actively monitor course conditions and weather, with clear medical and severe weather contingency plans in place.

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RULES & ETIQUETTE

THE BACKYARD FORMAT:

4.167 MILES. EVERY HOUR. ON THE HOUR.

LAST RUNNER STANDING.

1

3, 2, 1, GO

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Be present at the countdown for the start of each hour. You must be in the corral when the hour starts.

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2

DO THE WORK

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Complete the full 4.167 mile loop within one hour to continue. No poles are allowed.

3

AID & CREW

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Crew are only allowed in designated areas. No pacers and no aid on the course.

4

RESPECT 

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Leave no trace. No littering, and be mindful of other trail users. Yield to emergency vehicles at all times.

5

DROPPING OUT

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If you choose to drop, let everyone know by ringing the DNF bell.

Why?

What is your why? Why are you here? Is it the challenge of seeing how far you can go? How fast you can go? Do you find peace in the trails or excitement in not knowing how a race like this will end? Do you crave the challenge of finding the motivation and energy to continue on?
 

This race is different. We think you knew that when you signed up, but if not, warning... this is not your average 5k with a set distance and end time. Only YOU can determine how far you can go or how hard you push each loop.

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One thing that is for certain? We start each 4.167 mile loop every hour, on the hour. Be there, be square... or you’ll be left behind.

~ WausaUltra RD Team

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FAQs

GOT QUESTIONS?

WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.

Find answers to common questions about the weekend, the course, crew and aid, travel, drop rules, and more on our detailed FAQ page.

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