April Group Lessons 2026

The Whitewater Trail Challenge follows the Ice Age Trail -- a 1,200 mile footpath that traverses Wisconsin and is designed to showcase the lasting impact of ice age glaciers on the landscape of the state. One of only eleven National Scenic Trails, it is an iconic route covering vast and diverse natural areas, and is a longstanding magnet for hikers and runners. The trails vary from smooth and well-maintained to extremely technical, and because the route is a patchwork of connected segments, the footing can change quickly! The Spartan Whitewater trail challenge course covers a small but scenic portion of the trail – an out and back from Rice Lake near the town of Whitewater – but with this taste of what the Ice Age Trail has to offer our racers will be tempted to keep exploring!

Welcome to Casual Hikers!

We're excited to bring our 10K event to the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit this year! The advanced trails and the endurance needed for a 10K make this more than your average hike. We're supporting the Salvation Army with your donations for this run.

Join us on Saturday, August 1st, 9am CST for an exciting walk/run event that features the green and scenic views of Kettle Moraine State Forest in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Registration includes water refill stations and trail-friendly snacks before and after the run. This is a cup-less event, so bring your own bottle or hydration gear.

Casual Hikers was formed to enable people to explore nature and experience new places, while forming lasting connections. We plan fun, no-fuss adventures across the world, from the peaks of the Rockies, to the dunes of Indiana, and the winding trails in the Smokies, our trips are built for real explorers—whether you're a seasoned trekker or just want to escape the city for a weekend.

Learn more about us:

https://www.casual-hikers.com/home

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casual.hikers/

Discount code: subscribe to our Instagram page and let us know via the form on the bottom of this page to receive your 10% discount code.

Casual Hikers 10k Walk/Run 🌳🏃🚶‍♀️🌳

Date

August 1, 2026

9:00am

Start/End Location

Nordic Skiing and Hiking Trails

N9084 Co Rd H, Whitewater, WI 53190

Google Maps Location

Fees

$40 - Through July 3

$50 - July 4 to Aug 1

$10 - T-Shirt (polo or round neck)

Course Description

Nordic Trail System - combination of Blue and Green Trails, totaling 6.3mi (10.2km). The race path will start and end at the Nordic trailhead parking lot, going in the clockwise direction. Organizers from Casual Hikers will be present to register participants, and offer snacks and water at no additional cost.

See Trail Map (overlaid in red).

Check-In

Participants should park in the Nordic Trail lot and check in at the organizers' tent. Water refills and refreshments will be available at the tent as well. Once checked in, the walk/run will start adjacent to the tent.

Park Entrance Fees

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources charge a park entrance fee. A day-pass for August 1st can be purchased for a discounted rate during registration. You will be given your pass during check-in on race day. Please place the sticker on your car's dashboard before heading out on the trail. Park rangers will patrol the lot to check for stickers.

Charity

Twenty five percent (25%) of all donations will be sent to The Salvation Army.

T-Shirts

Half-sleeve Dri-FIT shirts (polo and round neck) will be available for purchase, for $10 each.

Refreshments

Water refills and trail snacks will be available at no cost. We believe in protecting the environment, so this is a cup-less event! Bring your own bottle and/or water pack.

Whitewater has always been known for its charm and ideal location, nestled within the forest, lakes, prairies, and hills of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in southeastern Wisconsin. The Discover Whitewater Series race was initiated by the Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc. in September 2013. Thanks to the continued support and growing interest, the annual Discover Whitewater Series has proven to be a great success year after year. In thirteen years, the Discover Whitewater Series has been able to distribute $314,881 to local charities in efforts to build a stronger community. This would not have been possible without all the participants and volunteers of the race!

2026 will again feature the retro racecourse with the Half-Marathon following the route used for the Whitewater ROTC Half Marathon back in the 80’s. This course will run on a route north of Whitewater on gently rolling roads and will show off a wonderful view of the countryside. The 5k route will run south of campus and will include a scenic section on the bike path- including a bridge crossing of Whitewater Creek. Both races will have an exciting finish into Perkins Football stadium on the field!

The number one priority of the Discover Whitewater Series has always been to provide an exceptional and safe athletic event for all participants. Updates will be posted as needed to this site as well as runwhitewater.com.

Registration:

• Half Marathon, 5k, and Fit Kid Shuffle: online registration is available until race day.

• 5k Teams online registration allowed until race day. Team name changes accepted through September 16th at 11:59p

• Kid's Korral: online registration available until 11:59p the Wednesday prior to race day.

Event Shirts:

• Participants who register before September 1st 11:59p will be able to pick up your event shirt on-site with packet pick-up.

• Those who register September 1st - September 20th will not be guaranteed a shirt on race day, however, there will be limited available extra t-shirts on race day, allowing participants to potentially pick them up on the day of the race. Otherwise, shirts will be mailed out approximately three weeks after the event has been completed.

Packet Pick-Up (subject to change):

• Located at UW-Whitewater - DLK Gymnasium (outside ramp entrance, door 23), Parking Lot 11

• Friday, September 18th 4p - 6:30p

• Sunday, September 20th 6a - 7:45a (supporting the Half Marathon and 5k)

• Sunday, September 20th 7:45a - 10:30a (supporting the Fit Kid Shuffle)

• Packets will include bib, pins, and event shirt, if applicable.

• The DWS is a certified green race and will not have print outs of the course map available in the packets. Please download the course map prior to your arrival.

Day of Parking:

• Volunteers: Lot 24 (Perkins Stadium Parking Lot)

• Schwager and Warhawk Drive

• 910 W. Schwager Drive

• Participants: Lot 11 (Williams Center) or Lot 9 (next to the outdoor Sand Volleyball Courts)

• Both lots are off of Warhawk Drive

• 907 Schwager Drive

In-Person Awards/Prize Money:

• All registered participants who finish the half marathon and 5K will receive a finisher’s medal.

• Top three in each age group for both the half marathon and 5k will receive an additional award.

• Awards to the overall 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners for the half marathon and the 5K (men and women).

• An additional purse prize will be provided on-site to the top three overall men and women in the half marathon

• 1st Place: $400.00

• 2nd Place: $250.00

• 3rd Place: $100.00

• 5k Team awards in two categories (Business or Sponsor and Community Organization) based on the top 3 best times within the team (one trophy per top team).