2020 Race Report

Glacial Trail 50  -  October 11^th, 2020
This year marked the 34^th running of the Glacial Trail Run, held in Wisconsin’s Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest.  There were modifications and mitigation plans in place to comply with 2020 requirements, but the experience out on the trails was the same.  The race courses are out-and-back, mostly following the Ice Age Trail.  The week leading up to Glacial had beautiful, sunny weather, with the fall colors nearing their peak.  Race day was mostly cloudy (but at least we did not have any sleet like last year), and it was a great day to be on the trail in the woods.

26 runners in the 50-mile race headed out in the dark at 6am.  Evan Wetzel and Walt Jedzejec came through the first aid station together, but Evan slowly pulled away over the rest of the course, winning in 6:48:20.  This was the second faster time ever for the 50 Mile, only 8 minutes off the course record.  Walt held strong in second place, finishing in 8:00:42.  The lead women were in sight of each other for more than half of the race, only 1 minute apart at the turn.  From there, AJ Burns opened up a 10-minute gap on Natasha Steenbergen by mile 37.  But the race wasn’t over, as Natasha started to chew into that lead, and was only 6 minutes back at mile 43.  AJ held on, with Natasha continuing to close the gap, winning in 10:09:20 to 10:13:21.  Out of 26 starters, 22 finished the full 50 miles.

We had 76 runners start the 50K, with 68 completing the full course.  As with the 50 Mile, the 50K saw a tight race in the women’s field between Natalie Weeks, Rachel Monaco-Wilcox, and Becky Patch.  They were all within a few minutes of each other on the way out, with Rachel first at the turn, followed closely by Becky, then Natalie.  Rachel still had a slim lead at mile 24, with Natalie moving into second.  From there to the finish, Natalie edged into first, winning in 5:13:46 (10^th overall).  Rachel was less than a minute behind, in 5:14:40, and Becky was 3^rd (and beat her husband Dave).  Local runner (and past 50 Mile champion) Nic Giebler used his knowledge of the course, staying patient in the first half of the race.  Nic moved into first by mile 17, winning in 4:19:09.  Andy Miller finished strong, moving up from 4^th at mile 24 to place 2^nd in 4:31:43.  There was one course record set; Linda Mehoke lowered her own age group record (Grand Masters) in the 50K to 6:21:56.

On a more personal note, the highlight of the day for me occurred later in the 50K, when Sally (wifey) and Kelley (kiddo) crossed the finish line.  I don’t think doing an ultra was ever on their radar screen, but years of helping at Glacial must have had an effect.  I could not be prouder of them!

Afterwards, runners enjoyed the post-race food and drink as usual, spread out as needed for 2020.  Events like Glacial don’t happen without a great group of volunteers helping all weekend.  I would encourage all runners to consider volunteering at events, to give back to the sport, and to ensure that these races continue.  We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Northern Kettle Moraine in 2021 for the 35^th edition of the Glacial Trail Run.

Robert Wehner, RD