Summary: The Badger Mountain Challenge is a big mix of surfaces, including footpaths, multi-use trails, rocky and rolling jeep trails, dirt roads, and pavement, 100 miler runners run the 50 mile course twice and start at the same time as the 50 milers. With about 15 miles total of pavement and ~13,000 feet of gain, and with several short, steep climbs of 800-1000+ feet of climbing, the challenge comes from the unique landscape, which has very few trees and therefore is quite exposed to the elements, mainly wind and rain. Temps tend to be chilly in the daytime and therefore even colder at night. The course has great crew access with fairly minimal miles between aid stations, and other distances offered include a 15k, 50k, and 50 miler.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

If it’s been raining, the jeep roads will have fairly slick mud
If it’s windy, be prepared to feel all of it, with it being such an exposed course
It tends to get cold on McBee Ridge, so have layer options either with you or in a drop bag
Some running along a highway, which could be a love/hate, depending on your view of running alongside a highway!
Spooky tunnel that goes under the highway (apparently called a culvert) around miles 7, 43, 57, and 93, where you’re in total darkness for a short time
Have good wind and rain gear on hand, no matter what the forecast says
Weather is one of the biggest DNF factors, with wind and rain being factors, and the nights being cold and you’re already wet and likely cold. Have lots of clothes options and dry clothing changes along the way
Easy to feel overwhelmed by the difficult sections on your first lap, knowing you have to do it again. Have mental strategies ready for tackling this.
Lots of course changes in the last several years, so keep that in mind when looking at past race reports and results
The jeep road sections are more challenging than you think in terms of footing, mud, and the fact that they are so steep
Think of clothing layers that will keep you dry, and those that will keep you warm

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 13,000ft/13,000

Ft/mile gain: 130

Total climbs: 2x ~1500ft, 4x ~800ft, 4x~600ft, all quite steep, and countless other “smaller” climbs

Course Map/Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 19

Furthest distance apart: 7.5 miles (twice)

Locations: Miles 4.6, 10, 17.3, 18.5, 23.3, 30.2, 31.5, 39, 44.5, 50 (start/finish), 54.6, 60, 67.3, 68.5, 73.3, 80.2, 81.5, 89, 94.5

What’s available: Typical aid station fare, with exact offerings in the aid station chart

Aid Station Chart

Crew access

Access Locations: Start/finish (0, 50, 100) Candy Mountain (miles 4.6, 44.5, 54.6, 94,5), Jacobs Road (miles 10, 39, 60, 89), Field Road (miles 17.3, 31.5, 67.3, 81.5), or McBee Parking (18.5, 30.2, 68.5, 80.2)

Crew instructions/directions

Pacers

Yes, starting at 50 miles. One pacer at a time only after 50 mile turnaround at Trailhead Park or at the crew-accessible aid stations after 50 miles (Candy Mountain, Jacobs Road, Field Road, or McBee Parking).