Trail Running in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 17 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Sturgeon Bay leads with 2 races, followed by Wausau (1), Milwaukee (1), and New Glarus (1). The remaining 71% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Showing all 17
Trail Running
Greenbush Trick or Trail 5K/10K
Glenbeulah, WI
Trail Running
Greenbush Trick or Trail 5K/10K
October 31, 2026
Glenbeulah, WI
Trail Running
Paws for a Cause Canicross & Trail Run/Walk for Charity 2027
October 16, 2027
Denmark, WI
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.