It's here! I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to being in the forest this Saturday and seeing all of you. Ten years of this, and it still gets me every time. However your training went, you've made it to race week, and that's worth celebrating. Now let's go enjoy a day in Black River State Forest together.

Starting Thursday, it is very difficult to contact me and for me to contact you. If you have questions, get them to me before then at mark@nurun.co. Thanks!

The full race day schedule, including bib pick-up and the course closing time, is in the race guide.

We'll be parking in the Smrekar lot. Please use the middle of the lot, not just the perimeter. It helps us fit everyone and keeps things moving smoothly on race morning.

We mark the course with small, ground-level signs: arrows to point the way, Xs to let you know where not to go, and race-specific distance signs so you know you're on the right course for your distance. Keep an eye on the ground and you'll be in good shape.

Here's what the forecast looks like for Millston, WI on Saturday, October 17: a cold start near freezing (around 30°F), warming to a high in the upper 50s, with no rain in the forecast. That's a chilly morning, so dress in layers you can shed as the day warms up. It's still six days out, so I'd check the forecast again before you head up.

We actually mean it: there are literally no cups at the aid stations. Please bring something to drink from. If you need one, here's a collapsible cup that works great. We'll have Tailwind Endurance Fuel and Tailwind Rapid Hydration ready to fill it.

If you haven't looked through it lately, now's a good time to re-read the 2026 race guide. It has the details on aid stations, cutoffs, and everything else you'll want to know before Saturday. The courses are also available on Strava and UltraPacer:

See you in the forest.

Mark Garrigan
nurun co.
De Pere, WI 54115

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