Set your sights on the Sugar Badger 50/50, 50K, and Half Marathon on May 23, 2026, in picturesque Belleville, Wisconsin. This celebrated event, known for its "family reunion" atmosphere and strong local community involvement, offers a unique and highly runnable experience on the scenic Badger State Trail and Sugar River State Trail. Athletes will traverse flat, soft rail trails, enjoying beautiful views of trestle bridges, scenic vistas, prairies, meadows, farmland, and rivers. While the course is primarily smooth dirt, sand, gravel, and grass, expect a distinctive two-mile detour around a tunnel closure. This detour, featuring asphalt roads and the majority of the race's elevation gain (approximately 750 feet for the 50M, 285 meters for the 50K), adds a challenging but memorable element, particularly later in the race or on warmer days. Historically, typical race day conditions feature pleasant highs around 72°F and lows around 50°F, with a 20% chance of precipitation.

The Sugar Badger is an ideal race for both seasoned ultrarunners seeking a fast course and first-timers looking to tackle a longer distance, thanks to its predominantly flat terrain and generous cutoff times. The out-and-back format, starting and finishing at Belleville Community Park, allows for camaraderie as runners pass each other on the course. Aid stations are strategically placed every 4-7 miles, offering a fantastic array of fuel including water, UCAN electrolyte drink, PB&J, cookies, candy, chips, soda, and sometimes even warm food and Fireball. These well-stocked stations, staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, consistently receive high praise from runners. Drop bags are available at key locations, and crew access is permitted at designated aid stations.

Beyond the course, the Sugar Badger stands out with its exceptional runner experience. Participants can look forward to a comprehensive swag bag featuring a shirt, custom medal, buff, drawstring bag, and socks. The finish line is a celebration, complete with free pizza, beer, and a personal hug and medal presentation from the Race Director. Free camping is available at Belleville Community Park, fostering a truly immersive race weekend. Furthermore, a portion of every registration fee supports Team RWB, adding a meaningful layer to this already compelling event.