2013 Cool Trail races

Iwas supposed to do the one in Madison with Gracias but she ended up injured so I bailed.  May try for that one again. Maybe you will be able to fit that one in too!

Highly recommend DWD Gnaw Bone in Indiana in May. They have 13.1, 26.2, 50K, 50 miles and 100K relay options.  Much hillier than DWD Hell, with some great views, bush-whacking, stream crossings, and punishing climbs.  

I did the DWD Hell 100k relay and it was a great experience.  Camp out with your team the night before, get your costumes and vehicle decorations and beer ready, and have a blast out on the trails.  Every leg has its bit of stupid, but This Sucks and Stripper's Pole legs seem to get the most buzz.

Going north for ultras, I've heard great things about Kettle Moraine and Ice Age in Wisconsin.  The North Country Trail Run in Michigan in August has a 50M, Marathon, and HM, and the race sells out quickly each year.  

I grew up at my great grandma's place in Nashville playing in those hills.  Sounds like it could be great time! 

If you like that area, check out the Tecumseh Trail Marathon. Looks like there are still a few spots left for this year's race (Dec 1).

My husband has done that one before!  It was very pretty when we were there, in a snowstorm! Unfortunately, my budget is done for the year, unless you are paying for me to go  

Chattanooga is a bit of a drive, but check out the Rock/Creek race series.

http://www.rockcreek.com/race.rco;jsessionid=FCD62A2D7608B25362938BA77AC3510E.worker3

I'm not from there, but I did the Sumpjump 50k last month and though Chattanooga was quite a place for trail running. They put on a high-quality event. It was worth the trip! The series has everything from short races to 50-mile, so you can pick your distance and the level of difficulty you're looking for. 

I'm in Central IL.  I am signed up for a 10 mile trail in IN the last Saturday of December (Hubby is doing the 50k--Huff50k).  I have a few local trail races that I have signed up for, a return to me first 1/2 mary with a score to settle, and a return to the Indy mini in May.  I'm considering one in Utah as that is where hubby lives now.