The 15th Annual-ish NK50K - April 11, 2026

 April 11th, 2026!

Earn the (Almost) World Famous NK50k Finisher Sticker!

Earn the (Almost) World Famous NK50k Finisher Sticker!

Join us for a point-to-point tour of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail!
It's time to welcome Spring to the Northern Kettle Trail Running Community ... which means it will most likely be snowing!

At 7:00 AM, we will start at the Ridge Road Trailhead, just southwest of Sunburst Ski Hill. Transportation will be provided to the start from the finish (Greenbush Group Camp), leaving at 6:00 AM.

After we're done, we'll enjoy some food and refreshments at the Group Camp Shelter.

Aid will be limited...expect water at Hwy 28, Crooked Lake, and Parnell.  Mayyyybe some other stuff, but don't plan on it!

The Schedule
We are requesting a $20 contribution to cover expenses.

5:30-5:55 - 50K runner Check-in.

6:00 AM - The BUS will be leaving from the Greenbush Group Camp to take runners to the start at Ridge Road.

7:00 AM - The NK 50k Starts at Ridge Road. Have fun!


11:15-? - Welcome back to Greenbush! Congrats on a great morning in the Northern Kettles! Celebrate with us at the Finish area Shelter.


And Finally...REMEMBER: This is a fun run. The best effort will be made to provide aid as scheduled and at those locations, but stuff happens, so go in to this run assuming you're on your own! No Whining!

** No Results Will Be Posted on UltraSignup.com. This is a RUN. This is NOT A RACE. **

And Finally...REMEMBER:  This is a fun run.  The best effort will be made to provide some aid as scheduled and at those locations, but stuff happens, so go in to this run assuming you're on your own!  Assume no aid, and assume rugged trail conditions with variable weather!  No Whining!

The 518 Club

Curt Brey

Lucy Burke

Andrew Featherstone

Nic Giebler

Matt Lee

Ryan Norton

Geni Scalio

Ann Scholl

Tony Tushaus

Chris Weavers

Lucky 13th Annual-ish NK50k

 April 6th, 2024!

Earn the (Almost) World Famous NK50k Finisher Sticker!

NEW COURSE FOR 2024, TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

Join us for a point-to-point tour of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail!

It's time to welcome Spring to the Northern Kettle Trail Running Community ... which means it will most likely be snowing/raining/sleeting/all-of-the-above-ing!

At 7:00 AM, we will start at the southern end, the Ridge Road Trailhead (just south of Sunburst Ski Area).  Transportation will be provided  to the start from the finish (Greenbush Group Camp), leaving at 6:15 AM.

After we're done, we'll enjoy some fellowship, food, and fun at the Greenbush Group Camp Shelter.

There will also be a 25k option that will start at Crooked Lake.  Again, this run will be Point-to-Point, finishing at the Greenbush Group Camp Parking Lot.

Aid will be provideed.

Aid and access to drop bags for the 50k runners will also be provided at Mile 3.5 and at Mile 25. There is water available along the course at additional spots as well, at or near the backcountry shelters.

The Schedule

5:30-6:00 - Check-in.  We are requesting a registration via UltraSignup.  Link is right HERE

6:00 AM - The BUS will be leaving from the Greenbush Group Camp to take runners to the start at Ridge Road. 

7:00 AM - The NK 50k Starts at Ridge Road.  Have fun!  Pace yourself, take care of yourself, and take care of each other!

9:30 AM - The 25k runners will be picked up at the Greenbush Group Camp (the finish), and taken to their start at Crooked Lake.

10:00 AM - The 25K runners will take off!  Enjoy!

11:15-? - Welcome back to Greenbush!  Congrats on a great morning in the Northern Kettles!  Now, time to celebrate! And no worries about "Cutoffs" -- this is a run, not a race, and we'll be here all day/afternoon/evening :)

Aid Stations will include Water, Sports Drink, Coke, Mt. Dew, S!Caps, and assorted normal "Ultra Aid Station" foods.  

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Please ask away!  Let's make this the best year yet.

And Finally...REMEMBER:  This is a fun run.  The best effort will be made to provide some aid as scheduled and at those locations, but stuff happens, so go in to this run assuming you're on your own!  Assume no aid, and assume rugged trail conditions with variable weather!  No Whining!

31.6 Stickers cont...

2021

Ryan Norton 

Mike Cavanaugh

Curt Brey

Jessica Dodge

Kim Kedinger

Geni Scalio

DJ Plaggemeyer

Relena del Toro Ribbons

Andrew Featherstone

Doug Martin

Andy Mitchel

Darrick Hartmann

Evan Wetzel

Tim Wegner

Dave Schmitz

Scott Meyers

Nicole Barnardan

Ann Scholl

Kim Willison

Kim Huntley

Steve Falk

Brad Zank

2020 NK50k - 10th Annual - Saturday, April 4th, 2020

Earn the (Almost) World Famous NK50k Finisher Sticker!

Join us for a point-to-point tour of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail!

It's time to welcome Spring to the Northern Kettle Trail Running Community ... which means it will most likely be snowing!

At 7:00 AM, we will start at the southern end, the Highway H Trailhead.  Transportation will be provided  to the start from the finish (Glenbeulah Trailhead), leaving at 6:15 AM.

After we're done, we'll enjoy some burgers, refreshments, and PRIZES at Fudgienuckles.

There will also be a 25k option that will start at Butler Lake.  Again, this run will be Point-to-Point, finishing at the Glenbeulah Trailhead Parking Lot.

The 25k will start from Butler Lake.  This stop is also where Aid will be provided to the 50k runners.  See the map below for details.

Aid and access to drop bags for the 50k runners will also be provided at Mile 3.5 and at Mile 25. There is water available along the course at additional spots as well, at or near the backcountry shelters.

The Schedule

5:30-6:15 - Check-in.  We are requesting a $10 contribution to cover expenses.  https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=64151

6:15 AM - The BUS will be leaving from the Glenbeulah Trailhead to take runners to the start at Hwy H. 

7:00 AM - The NK 50k Starts at the Hwy H Trailhead.  Have fun!  The last 3 miles of the run are the most technical (but, they're downhill!) of the entire course...so pace yourself :) 

9:30 AM - The 25k runners will be picked up at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (the finish), and taken to their start at Butler Lake.

10:00 AM - The 25K runners will take off!  Enjoy!

11:15-? - Welcome back to Glenbeulah!  Congrats on a great morning in the Northern Kettles!  Now, off to celebrate!

Aid Stations will include Water, Sports Drink, Coke, Mt. Dew, S!Caps, and assorted normal "Ultra Aid Station" foods.  

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Please ask away!  Let's make this the best year yet.

And Finally...REMEMBER:  This is a fun run.  The best effort will be made to provide some aid as scheduled and at those locations, but stuff happens, so go in to this run assuming you're on your own!  Assume no aid, and assume rugged trail conditions with variable weather!  No Whining!

2018 NK50k - Saturday, April 7th

Earn the (Almost) World Famous NK50k Finisher Sticker!

Join us for a point-to-point tour of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail!

It's time to welcome Spring to the Northern Kettle Trail Running Community ... which means it will most likely be snowing!

At 7:00 AM, we will start at the southern end, the Highway H Trailhead.  Transportation will be provided  to the start from the finish (Glenbeulah Trailhead), leaving at 6:15 AM.

After we're done, we'll enjoy some burgers, refreshments, and PRIZES at Fudgienuckles.

There will also be a 25k option that will start at Butler Lake.  Again, this run will be Point-to-Point, finishing at the Glenbeulah Trailhead Parking Lot.

The 25k will start from Butler Lake.  This stop is also where Aid will be provided to the 50k runners.  See the map below for details.

Aid and access to drop bags for the 50k runners will also be provided at Mile 3.5 and at Mile 25. There is water available along the course at additional spots as well, at or near the backcountry shelters.

The Schedule

5:30-6:15 - Check-in.  We are requesting a $10 contribution to cover expenses.  SIGN UP RIGHT HERE!

6:15 AM - The BUS will be leaving from the Glenbeulah Trailhead to take runners to the start at Hwy H. 

7:00 AM - The NK 50k Starts at the Hwy H Trailhead.  Have fun!  The last 3 miles of the run are the most technical (but, they're downhill!) of the entire course...so pace yourself :) 

9:30 AM - The 25k runners will be picked up at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (the finish), and taken to their start at Butler Lake.

10:00 AM - The 25K runners will take off!  Enjoy!

11:15-? - Welcome back to Glenbeulah!  Congrats on a great morning in the Northern Kettles!  Now, off to celebrate!

The Course

Aid Stations will include Water, Sports Drink, Coke, Mt. Dew, S!Caps, and assorted normal "Ultra Aid Station" foods.  Any special requests?

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Please ask away!  Let's make this the best year yet.

We need some solid numbers on participants to make sure we have enough stuff (BEER) at the finish, so please contact Nic or Tony or comment here, or comment on the Facebook page that you'll be running!

And Finally...REMEMBER:  This is a fun run.  The best effort will be made to provide aid as scheduled and at those locations, but stuff happens, so go in to this run assuming you're on your own!  No Whining!

2017 NK50K - 7th Annual

The 2017 NK50K will be held on...wait for it...Saturday, April 1st, 2017.

Fitting, isn't it?

GTR 5k and 5 Mile Loop Team Challenge Three week challenge June 8th to June 28th, two person teams, four different loops, must use Strava to record loops completed. The team with the most recorded loops at each location will be crowned the Champions at that location. The four loops were strategically picked so that the north, south and central part of the NKM forest is represented, hopefully ensuring a loop near you! So, we’ll crown Butler Lake Champs, Zillmer Champs, Greenbush Champs and New Fane Champs. Also, the team with the most combined loop mileage will be crowned “Mileage Champions”. Only mileage run on the four loops will be counted towards team total mileage. Your team must complete at least one loop at two of the four loop locations to be eligible to win any of the championships. 

North
Greenbush Purple Loop 5.1 miles

West Central
Zillmer Red Loop 3 miles

East Central
Butler Lake Loop 3.1 miles

South
New Fane Purple Loop 3.1 miles

                                                                                                                                                             

5th Annual NK50k - April 11th, 2015

Only 28 of these stickers have been earned thus far! Join the elite company! 

Join us for a point-to-point tour of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail!

It's time to kick off the Northern Kettle Trail Running Season!

At 7:00 AM, we will start at the southern end, the Highway H Trailhead.  Transportation will be provided  to the start from the finish (Glenbeulah Trailhead), leaving at 6:15 AM.

After we're done, we'll enjoy some burgers, refreshments, and PRIZES at either Nic's House (only 2 miles by car from the finish), or Fudgienuckles.

There will also be a 25k option that will start at Butler Lake.  Again, this run will be Point-to-Point, finishing at the Glenbeulah Trailhead Parking Lot.

The 25k will start from Butler Lake.  This stop is also where Aid will be provided to the 50k runners.  See the map below for details.

Aid and access to drop bags for the 50k runners will also be provided at Mile 3.5 and at Mile 25. There is water available along the course at additional spots as well, at or near the backcountry shelters.

The Schedule

5:30-6:15 - Check-in.  We are requesting a $10 contribution to cover expenses.

6:15 AM - The transportation will be leaving from the Glenbeulah Trailhead and take runners to the start at Hwy H.

7:00 AM - The NK 50k Starts at the Hwy H Trailhead.  Have fun!  The last 3 miles of the run are the most technical (but, they're downhill!) of the entire course...so pace yourself :)  As Dan would say "If you get hurt, it's your own darn fault!"

9:15 AM - The 25k runners will be picked up at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (the finish), and taken to their start at Butler Lake.

10:00 AM - The 25K runners will take off!  Enjoy!

11:15-? - Welcome back to Glenbeulah!  Congrats on a great morning in the Northern Kettles!  Now, off to celebrate!

The Course

Aid Stations will include Water, Sports Drink, Coke, Mt. Dew, S!Caps, and assorted normal "Ultra Aid Station" foods.  Any special requests?

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Please ask away!  Let's make this the best year yet.

We need some solid numbers on participants to make sure we have enough stuff (BEER) at the finish, so please contact Nic or Tony or comment here, or comment on the Facebook page that you'll be running!

And Finally...REMEMBER:  This is a fun run.  The best effort will be made to provide aid as scheduled and at those locations, but stuff happens, so go in to this run assuming you're on your own!  No Whining!

3rd Annual GTR Night Run

Come join us on Saturday June 14th for a run in the dark on the trails of the northern kettle moraine. The 18, 12 and 6 mile distances will start and finish at the Greenbush recreation shelter (ski shelter). A Wisconsin state sticker is needed to park in this lot. We plan to have beer and pizza at the finish!
Start times:
18 or 12 Miler 7:00
6 Miler 9:30

The 18 and 12 mile course will start at the Greenbush rec shelter, run south on the IAT to the Parnell tower, ascend, enjoy the sunset, descend, complete the Parnell tower loop, IAT back north to the shelter. We will link up with the 6 milers back at the ski shelter parking lot.

The 6 mile course will start at the Greenbush ski shelter, we'll jump on to the #1 mountain bike loop to the purple loop, complete the purple loop, back onto the #1 mtb loop to the shelter.

Don't forget your headlamps, flashlights, torches...............

Hope you can join us!

Northern Kettle Key Run

What:  A "Key Exchange Run" where we split the group of runners in half and start at opposite ends of the trail.  We'll run towards eachother, trade keys, and then end up at Fudgieknuckles to have some food a swap some stories.  The shortest distance will be 8.73 miles, but you are welcome to add miles on before!  There is talk of turning this run in to a 50k.

Where: Half of us will meet at the Glenbeulah Trailhead (Here's a map.  Look for the Parking Lot off of Hwy P just East of Glenbeulah).  The other half will meet at Hwy 67 (See Previous Link).  If you want to add miles on, I suggest starting at Hwy 67 and running South before turning around and heading towards the Glenbeulah Trailhead.

When: 9:30 AM, Saturday, November 16th.

Why: If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand.

More details:  Comment on this post, check out the Greenbush Trail Runners' Facebook Post (link on the right), or email me (link below.)

We'll need to have a pretty accurate idea of who's attending to be sure we get it set up correctly, so be sure to be in touch!

It's Glacial Trail Time!

It's that time of year again...time for the most fun and low key ultra around -- Glacial Trail.  Good luck to all running, and thanks to all the volunteers.  Extra Good Luck to the Greenbush Trail Runners taking part!

In other news, check out Matt's report from an attempt to cover 72 miles of Northern Kettle Goodness...AMAZING!  http://mattrunswild.blogspot.com/2013/10/ice-age-trail-northern-kettle-moraine.html

Now, let's all hope the rain we are getting right now ensures a (relatively) dry track next weekend...unlike last year.

Local & National Grand Slam Thoughts

I'm in a bit of "Taper Madness" right now, with my first trail race coming up this weekend at Lapham Peak (I HIGHLY recommend putting this race--whether it's the 10k, 13.1, or 26.2--on your calendar. It takes place on "The Black Loop" of Lapham Peak, which is a legendary loop.

 On my last run this morning before the marathon on Saturday, I was thinking a bit about what races or series of races I might want to try next year, and it fit in well with a 'current events' story in the trail running world right now...

 There's an interesting news story occurring around the "Grand Slam of Ultrarunning" and instead of trying to explain it here, I'd suggest you read this report, as it's a good synopsis of what seems to me to be an interesting but also ridiculous story. From that story, the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning is:

 ...a fun sideshow to watch. A few dozen folks get into Western States, decide it’s their year to do it, then sign up for the other three hundos: Vermont, Leadville, and Wasatch, all taking place over the next few months. It is, in my mind, the ultimate FKT. 

 It got me to thinking...is there a "Grand Slam of Wisconsin" or an "Ice Age Trail Grand Slam"? Here are a couple ideas...

 "Ice Age Trail Grand Slam" could consist of FOUR 50-milers that contain a lot of Ice Age Trail: May's Ice Age Trail 50, July's Dances with Dirt 50, September's North Face 50, and finally the October Glacial Trail 50.

 "Ice Age Trail Mini Slam" could be completing the 50k race at each of those events...but then again, when it comes to 50k's, how does one leave out John Dick in February (although rarely run on the Ice Age Trail; due to conditions, it's mostly snowmobile trails) and Chippewa Moraine in April (all Ice Age Trail)?  Including those two events could the "IAT Six Pack"!

What if we picked the biggest, most-historic, or most-prestigious races in Wisconsin? Kettle, Mad City, Fall 50?

There could be a series of races where there's one completed at each distance (50k, 50 mile, 100k, 100 mile).

 I'm guessing someone reading this HAS completed one of these ideas already--maybe not in a year, but in a career--and if so, please share your thoughts in a comment or on Facebook! For additional references and a calendar, check out this page courtesy of RunningInTheUsa.com.

2013 GTR Night Run

This year's GTR Night Run will be held in Greenbush on Saturday July 13th at 9pm. Six miles of ski trails/mtn bike trails is the planned route. Anyone interested in putting in an extra 5 or 6 miles can meet up early at 7:30. There will be beer at the finish! The Night Run will start and end in the group camp parking lot at the ski shelter, this was the same location as last year's Night Run. To park in this lot you must have a state sticker or a daily parking pass.

Everyone is welcome, all four legged friends are warmly welcomed as well. Hope that you can join us for a night out in the great Kettle Moraine State Forest!

Things That Occur When Running on Roads (That Probably Wouldn't Occur on the Trails)

I'm running an event that is about as opposite as a runner can get from the trails--a flat road marathon (Manitowoc Maritime Marathon).  Because of this, I'm trying to get some leg speed back...although I miss using every hill I come across on the Ice Age Trail as a reason to Power Hike!

Tonight I again worked on speed.  I set my Garmin Auto Lap at .5 miles, and figured I'd push hard for a mile, then try and cruise at my goal marathon pace for 1/2 mile, then push hard again for another mile.  This worked great...with several exceptions:

At 1.5 miles, a dog ran out of his owner's garage and started barking and growling at me.  Right out in to the road he came despite his shock collar (actually, I think it was a hunting collar, but either way) that was TOTALLY useless.  Every time I turned to start my running again, this pooch would get aggressive again and start chasing.  Then, his owner would alarm his collar to no avail. This process repeated itself for a full 3 housed down the road.  Hey buddy, yeah, you, the one in the garage...COME GET YOUR DOG.  Ugh!  There goes one fast split...

At 5.5 miles I came across a controlled burn of a brush pile--firefighters, fire trucks, and a TON of smoke billowing to the west.  A slight asthma flare up, and I was on my way again...but at about 30 seconds per mile off my pace.

At 6.5 I came across a pair of Geese Parents and their goslings.  Not only do Geese crap everywhere...they're also not all that friendly to passers-by.  I also have heard that the parents shed their flying wings when raising their babies.  I'm not sure if this is true or not...but either way, a very defensive Papa Goose has exactly two ways to ward off a predator (or, in this case, just a guy trying to get some speed work in):  Stick your tongue out and hiss, and charge the threat.  These geese did both.  I did learn something, though--if this happens to you, drag your feet on the gravel shoulder of the road, and they'll back off.  They're not keen on loud noises apparently.  Or, perhaps it was the action of me dragging my feet on the ground that looked so much like an injured animal myself, that they left me alone?

I really wish I would have had a camera around for all of this...and I really look forward to running the marathon on June 23rd, and promptly returning to the trails.

Just in time for the deerflies to arrive.

What don't you miss about the roads?  What do you like about the roads? 

-Nic

PS - Here are the splits...you can see the spikes in my pace pretty easily :)

High Cliff State Park

I spent about an hour running around High Cliff State Park this weekend.  I can't recommend it enough!  There are a couple options for events this summer:

The CliffRunner 10k on July 21st - More Info Here.

High Cliff 50k/25k on August 11th - This will be a FunRun/FatAss event, with a marked course and a couple aid stations.  Put it on your calendar today!

I've never seen a sign like that when running before!

That's the cliff at the end of the trail.

Statue of Chief Red Bird

Stone Fence that just went on forever...right in the midle of the woods!

Stairway Up, UP, Up!

At the top of the Escarpment

Sharing the trail with a Turkey Vulture

2013 NK 50k

This year's weather made things interesting for the 3rd Annual NK 50k.

5 very stubborn runners got it done, though, earning the highly coveted 31.6 sticker...and a Greenbush Trail Runners shirt.

Here are some snapshots of the day.  I am disappointed with myself for not getting a group shot or any shot of the food and beer that was eaten at Fudgies afterwards!

The View looking south from about 4 miles in to the run.  Sunburst Ski Hill in the distance.

No Snow...for now.  Beautiful single track was the scene for the first 5-10 miles.

The rivers are running high

Jennifer, steady as always.

Rookie Mike leading Uber Veteran Scott

Matt and Jennifer working their way up the hills

The trail transitioned from snow to dirt to ice the entire day.

This guy was crabby about the weather.

Jennifer finishes up the NK 50k!

Matt finishes a couple minutes later!

Silence.

Doesn't get much better than this, so take 7 minutes and take it all in:

Silence from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

Also, check this one out:

Cheetahs on the Edge--Director's Cut from Gregory Wilson on Vimeo.

3rd Annual NK50k

Earn one of these highly coveted stickers on April 6th!

We're putting together quite the event for the first Saturday in April!  The "NK50k" is a end-to-end run of the Northern Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail, which is 31.6 miles from one end to the other.  In addition to the full distance, we'll have a 15-mile run and a 7 mile run.  If you have an equipment/drop bag, it will be available to you at several locations throughout the run, so plan accordingly!

The 15-mile run will start at Butler Lake and follow the Ice Age Trail to the northern trailhead on Hwy P.

The 7-mile run will start at the Greenbush Picnic Area and finish at Hwy P.

The idea is for all runners to finish around the same time, at which point we will head over to Fudgienuckles in bustling downtown Glenbeulah (exactly one mile away from the finish line) for burgers, brats, bison, and beer...and coffee, if your name is Dan Crouse.  Who drinks COFFEE after a run?!

Several door prizes will be available for remarkable performances...like "Best Wipeout" and similar feats of human achievement.

Here's a schedule.  Keep in mind we are running from South to North this year:

5 AM -- Pick up runners who are leaving their car at the Hwy P trailhead, and drive South to the start at the Hwy H trailhead.

5:45 -- Official Start of the 31.6 mile run, from the Hwy H trailhead.  Feel free to meet us at the start if you'd like. 

7:30 -- 15-mile runners will be picked up at the Hwy P trailhead, and driven South to Butler Lake.

8:30 -- 15-mile runners start running!

10:00 -- 7-mile runners start from Greenbush!

11:00(ish) -- The runners begin gathering at the finish, and make their way over to Fudgienuckles.

Basic Aid will be available at mile 5 (for the 31 mile runners), and then at Butler Lake (Mile 15) and Greenbush (Mile 24). 

HERE IS A MAP OF THE ROUTE...Just follow the yellow dots from South to North!

HERE IS A MILEAGE BREAKDOWN...Use the right-side column for the South to North mileage.

Questions?  Feel free to comment here or email me and I'll help you out. 

- Nic

Feb 9th GTR Pancake Run
Who's down for a trail run, pancakes and beer? Come on out and join us for an 8.5 mile run followed by pancakes over a bonfire. The course will be half roads and half trails, the trail running will be done on the IAT and Greenbush connector trail. Start and finish will be at W8499 Spring Valley Dr. in Greenbush. We'll kickoff the run at 9am.

If your four-legged friend wants to join us please bring them along but you might want to bring a leash for when we are running on the roads. Bring warm clothing and boots to change into for around the fire. Looking forward to spending some trail time with everyone and hearing everyone's running plans for 2013!

I've never attached a Google Map location before so hopefully this works.

Oh, and one more thing. Nic Giebler is planning on eating bacon while running the Pancake Run................... not sure if he's going raw or cooked.

See you on Feb 9th!