Black Hawk Ridge Trail Run
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Black Hawk Ridge trail runs
This event, held Sunday, October 18, 2026, offers two chip timed trail distances and a field capped at 280 runners.
Distances
- 8K
- 16K
The courses start together on a prairie loop. The 8K follows the ridge top with dips into side valleys, passing restored prairie, hardwood forest, and pine plantation with views of the Wisconsin River valley. The 16K descends to the bottom of the ridge to tour the Wisconsin Heights battlegrounds, climbs back to the ridge top, rejoins the 8K route near a cabin, and continues for the final 6K.
Trail conditions are generally good. Runners may see evidence of last year’s tornado damage, especially on the 16K; DNR crews cleared affected areas and some restoration work continues on the south loop.
Event features include chip timing, an overall and 10 year male and female age group award structure (age groups begin under 20; 16K awards extend to 70 and over; 8K awards extend to 80 and over), door prizes, and a surprise non shirt giveaway item. After the run runners receive soup, bread, and cookies; extra lunch tickets are available for family and friends. Parking is limited at the top of Wachter Road, and an early start may be available for 16K runners who are concerned about the cutoff time to reach the first 10K. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
