Saturday May 14th, was not a typical May day for Wisconsin. There was an extra chill in the air and a bit of tension as everyone was setting up their gear for the Ice Age trail races. The 50 milers started at 6am, I was signed up for the 50k, which was starting at 8:15am.
I showed up to the trailhead, but the parking lot was full, so I parked across the street. This lot was still very close and I could walk to the start line in a matter of minutes. The packet pickup was located in a small warming building right next to the start. The race is capped to a small number of participants, so there was no line to pick up my bib or packet. I placed my drop bag on an already packed tarp full of gear.
The race started with the race director standing up on a ladder with a megaphone. He had some quick words and then counted down from 5. The 50k route is a 13 mile down and back through the more technical portion of the course, followed by two 9 mile loops. This offered some opportunities to not only access my drop bag as well as see my friends and family, without them having to drive around to different sections of the course. The first portion was a bit more technical, especially when you had to share the single track course with the 50kers coming back, as well as some of the fast moving 50 milers. This was a little annoying, especially since it prohibited me from using the downhill to the fullest from miles 6-10. But it was nice to see some familiar faces for a portion of the race. The last 18 miles were on cross country skiing trails, so they were more open and easier to pass people, and a lot less technical.
Along the 50k route there were about 8 or 9 aid stations fully stocked with water, heed, soda, fruit, pretzels, salt tabs, chips, and more. Because of the elevation changes and access to the trail, they weren't spread out very evenly, but it's a trail race and this is to be expected. The volunteers were great at these aid stations, always cheering and smiling as every runner came through their area.
The finish area was the same as the start. It was great to finish and be able to access my car very easily, since I needed warm clothes immediately. It was snowing slightly during the race, which is very rare for this time of year in southern Wisconsin. At the finish was food, water, beer, race results, finishers memorabilia and a bonfire! The bonfire was amazing! I loved that I was able to get a print out immediately with my race results as well. The medal was a very nice looking key chain.

I would definitely do this race again. It was probably the most challenging race I've ever done and I loved every second of it.

Quick rundown:
Pros: aid stations, volunteers, beautiful course
Cons: tight course during the down-and-back