News & Stories

New This Year

This year’s Surly Trail Loppet will be improved in several categories – wave starts to spread out the runners, chip timing for faster results, and better aid station distribution.  With the completion of the boardwalk across Wirth Lake the course is improved as well.

• Wave starts.  To keep everyone on course and happy, the Half-Marathon will go out in two waves this year: the Furious Wave and the Abrasive Wave.  Runners sign up for their wave of choice. Roughly speaking, the Furious Wave has the scrawny runner types who take the race seriously.  Abrasive runners actually enjoy the scenery and could probably drink the Furious runners under the table – but they want a little elbow room.  The Furious Wave starts at 9 a.m. and the Abrasive wave at 9:10. Click here for more information.
• Chip timing.  For the first time this year the Trail Loppet will feature chip timing.  All runners must wear their chip throughout the race but must turn the chip in after the race.  Chip timing will mean faster and more accurate results!
• Better Aid Stations.  This year’s Trail Loppet Half Marathon will feature aid stations at 2.8 miles (all events), 5.8 miles (Half-Marathon and 13.1K), 7 miles (Half-Marathon), 8.5 miles (Half-Marathon), 9.5 miles (Half-Marathon), and 11.5 miles (Half-Marathon).