The cruxIce Age Trail sections in June humidity (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Kettle Moraine runs 100 mi through Wisconsin. +1,093 ft gain and -1,080 ft loss. Surfaces skew 80% trail / 20% dirt road. Ice Age Trail sections in June humidity. High point near 1,051 ft. Low near 988 ft. June temps run 45°F to 90°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 1,093 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 30 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
June in Wisconsin: plan for 45°F to 90°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 30 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 80% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Ice Age Trail sections in June humidity near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.