This was my 3rd year at TNF ECS WI. This year I raced the 50K which is essentially a 10Kish loop + the marathon course, which I had run the past two years.

This year we were able to take advantage of the race hotel for the first time, usually it is sold out, and the price discount was significant. It was also the best hotel my family and I have stayed in for the past three years.

Though most of the hotels are about 12 miles away from the race HQ, the drive is scenic and pastoral. Since this is the Midwest and it's Wisconsin, the trail is not super steep nor does it offer mountain or ocean views. However, the course, part of which is on the Ice Age Trail, is more challenging than you might think. It is very rolling with all types of footing from a bit of pavement, to grass, doubletrack, singletrack, even a bit of sand. There are several forested sections as well as prairie. The rolling hills, most of which are not too steep, do start to take their toll a bit in the second half of the race, especially between miles 16 and 22.

The aid stations are generally between 4-6 miles apart and fully stocked with the normal drinks, along with soda, chicken broth, Clif Bar items, candy, chips, even boiled potatoes.

While there is early packet pick-up, this year I opted to simply pick-up just before the race. I appreciated not having to make an extra drive into the malls on Friday with my family during rush hour. They also have a meet and greet/Q&A with special guests, which this year included ultra runners Dean Karnazes, Dylan Bowman, and Timmy Olson. Though I didn't attend this, I saw Dean in the audience over the weekend and I met both Dylan and Timmy in person after I PRed in the 50K on Saturday.

The schwag is a premium tech tee and metal finisher's medal with ribbon. The food afterwards is great, including dinner for the marathon, 50K, and 50M finishers. Your first beer is also included along with several snacks, soda, water, etc.

There are several sponsor booths at the race to peruse afterwards including the ability to get some more freebies, try out gear, and even get a massage.

The North Face always does a quality job with their events especially as they are dealing with hundreds of people over several distances. All course markings are spot on and clear, making the way fairly simple as long as you are paying attention.

As billed, this is a great race to break into trail and/or ultrarunning, with distances from the 5K to the 50K and even a Kid's race held both days.