Embark on an unforgettable trail running adventure at the Hixon Trail Runs on October 25, 2026, in scenic La Crosse, Wisconsin. This challenging event, hosted by the River City Running Club, offers both a 50K and 25K distance, designed to test your endurance amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Starting and finishing atop the bluffs at the La Crosse weather station on County Road FA, runners will find themselves immersed in the lush Hixon Forest, a playground of diverse terrain.

The course is renowned for its technical singletrack, featuring twisting paths, rocky sections, roots, and numerous switchbacks, ensuring a truly engaging experience. Runners will navigate rolling hills, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents. Highlights include the Upper Hixon section with its tight squeezes and prairie loops, the Quarry Section offering expansive views from an old sandstone quarry, and the Lower Hixon, home to some of the most scenic vistas, including exposed bluffs and a memorable 2.5-mile descent followed by a 1-mile climb. Expect stunning panoramas of the Mississippi River Valley from over 600 feet up, with notable overlooks at Grandad Bluff and Miller Bluff. The 50K distance doubles the challenge, completing two loops of the demanding 25K course, which itself boasts approximately 4,000 feet of elevation gain.

Known for its "butter smooth" trails in some sections and notorious "Aby's Hill" with its 250 feet of elevation gain in a quarter-mile, the Hixon Trail Runs offer a blend of runnable paths and technical challenges. The race features well-stocked aid stations (four for the 25K, nine for the 50K) and clear course markings, ensuring support throughout your journey. Typical race day conditions in late October include pleasant highs around 53°F and lows around 36°F, with only a 10% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather. Prepare to push your limits and earn those bragging rights at this demanding yet incredibly rewarding race in the heart of Wisconsin's bluff country.