The inaugural Driftless Gateway Trails Festival on October 5th in Middleton celebrates our area's dynamic trail networks. It highlights the trails at the CXC Outdoor Community Center, Middleton Bike Park, and Blackhawk Ski Club, as well as their connectivity. The event showcases the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at the gateway to the Southwest Wisconsin Driftless Area.
The festival will take place at the CXC Outdoor Community Center's Trailhead, located at 4355 Schwartz Road in Middleton, WI. All running and mountain biking events will start from this central location.
EVENTS
TRAIL RUN
We’re excited to offer a variety of trail running and hiking events at the Driftless Gateway Trails Festival. Participants can choose from a challenging Half Marathon, a 10K Run, a 5K Run/Walk, and for the little ones, a free 1K Kids Dash. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy the outdoors, there's something for everyone to enjoy on our scenic trails!
13.1 Mile Half-Marathon: This is a fantastic course for experienced trail runners. It features a challenging mix of technical terrain and significant elevation changes.
10K & 5K: This course offers a balanced experience with moderate elevation and technicality. It's suitable for those newer to trail running, providing a good challenge without being overly demanding.
Register by September 20 to guarantee a short-sleeve performance t-shirt!
Proceeds from the trail run event will support the maintenance and improvement of cross-country ski trails, including enhancing snowmaking capabilities at the CXC Outdoor Community Center.
MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Join us for an "Alley Cat" style mountain bike ride - a fun scavenger hunt on wheels. One-person, two-person, or family teams will navigate the trails, completing over a dozen checkpoints while following the designated trail directions. This adventure challenge will emphasize navigation skills and adaptability rather than formal race regulations and promote camaraderie among riders to showcase the agility and versatility of mountain biking.
Intermediate-level riding is required for the Mountain Bike Adventure Challenge event. If you're unsure of your skill level, visit Middleton Bike Park and ensure you can comfortably ride all the blue trails.
Funds raised from the mountain biking event will be directed toward the upkeep and expansion of the “Driftless Gateway Cluster” mountain bike trails, encompassing the Middleton Bike Park and Blackhawk Ski Club.
COURSES
The event courses traverse a diverse mix of trails, including cross-country ski trails and mountain bike single track.
Whether you run or mountain bike, journey along a scenic route that winds through the southwest gateway of the Driftless Area, connecting a network of cross-country ski and single-track mountain trails at the CXC Outdoor Community Center, Middleton Bike Park, and Blackhawk Ski Club where woods, prairies, and rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.
SCHEDULE
8:30 AM / Gateway Half Marathon Run Start
9:30 AM / Gateway 10K Run Start
10:30 AM / Gateway 5K Run/Hike Start
10:30 AM - 12 PM / Enjoy Live Music, Food & Beverage
11:15 AM / Awards
Noon / Kid's Warm Up & 1K Run Start
1:00 PM / Mt. Bike Event Start
2:30 - 4 PM / Enjoy Live Music, Food & Beverage
4:00 PM / Final Mt. Bike Event Finish Cut-Off
LIVE MUSIC 🎶
Join us for events or stop by to enjoy live music, food, and beverages!
Catch live performances by Just Merl and A Girl at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM!
Feel free to bring chairs or a blanket for seating.
EVENT PARKING
The Driftless Gateway Trails Festival will take place at the CXC Outdoor Community Center's Trailhead, located at 4355 Schwartz Road in Middleton.
We anticipate that the CXC Outdoor Community Center, Middleton Bike Park parking lots, and overflow parking along the access drive to the Trailhead will fill up quickly. There is ample public parking available around the Greenway Station area, just a one-mile walk, bike ride, or jog to the start area using South Fork Trail. We encourage both participants and spectators to use public parking and consider carpooling to help maximize parking space.
Drop-offs can be made at the top of the access drive to the Trailhead, where event volunteers will be on hand to assist and guide you.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY IN MIDDLETON?
Middleton's nine hotels are clean, comfortable, and relaxing — and all just minutes away from Middleton's downtown and less than 20 minutes from Downtown Madison. Find the perfect place to stay with their interactive map — you can search by location, amenities, and more.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We're seeking volunteers to help with this event, with an average commitment of around 2-3 hours. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to us at volunteer@driftlessgateway.com!
All volunteers will receive official race gear and a complimentary meal and beverage.
EVENT SPONSORS
EVENT PARTNERS
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QUESTIONS?
The CXC Outdoor Community Center hosts the Driftless Gateway Trails Festival in partnership with Capital Off Road Pathfinders (CORP) and Blackhawk Ski Club.
The Central Cross Country Skiing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, manages the CXC Outdoor Community Center, which is being developed in collaboration with the City of Middleton. This public outdoor community center will provide year-round recreation, training, and educational programs. Click here to learn more about the Center and the foundation's activities.