Embrace the thawing season at the Zip Thaw, a unique canicross event held on March 15, 2026, in scenic Lake Geneva, WI. Hosted by TYDISH Running at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures, this race offers participants and their canine companions the choice of an 8-mile (two loops) or 4-mile (one loop) journey through over 12 miles of "wooded and wonderful" single-track trails. The course begins on a gravel service road before transitioning into rolling, winding single track, marked by yellow utility flags. While shared with mountain bikers, the trails are generally described as "not too challenging," welcoming both beginners and seasoned canicross enthusiasts. The 4-mile loop features 463 feet of vertical gain and 479 feet of vertical loss, offering an engaging experience amidst picturesque scenery.

Runners and their dogs will find a welcoming atmosphere at this spring event. Typical race day conditions in mid-March include highs around 44°F and lows around 25°F, with a 10% chance of precipitation, providing ideal brisk running weather. This is a cupless event, emphasizing self-sufficiency, so bring your own hydration vessel to refill at the start/finish area. While there are no aid stations on the course, water, an electrolyte drink, and dog water bowls are readily available at the start/finish.

The Zip Thaw experience extends beyond the trails with a mass start at 9 AM, beginning on a gravel service road before leading into the heart of the wooded adventure. All finishers receive a completion token, and podium awards are presented to the top three male and female teams in each distance. Post-race, warm food, drinks, and snacks await inside the main building at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures, offering a chance to relax and recount your trail tales, though canine friends are not permitted inside the building.