Race management done with LOVE.
Kindness. Community. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Ornery Mule Racing creates unforgettable trail races and a welcoming community for everyone. Our events are open to all runners and volunteers — from first-timers to seasoned athletes — because we believe the trail is for everybody.

We also offer coaching and specialized programs, including women’s communities, to support growth, connection, and confidence at every stage of the journey.

With great swag, fun and well-marked courses, and incredible volunteers, OMR is a place where you can challenge yourself, find your people, and discover what’s possible.

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  Full list of events on the OMR schedule page:

Frozen Gnome

Frozen Gnome 50k/10k: There’s no race like Gnome!

There’s no race like Gnome! VERY CHALLENGING, TRIPLE BLACK DIAMOND rated, fun and frosty run in Crystal Lake - annual event in January. The Frozen Gnome’s beautiful single-track course will take runners through the winter wonderland of Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods. Folks may choose either the 50K ultra run or the 10K race for speedsters. Gnome doubt about it, both courses will be tough.

The course is a 10k loop that will be repeated 5 times by the 50k runners. Enjoy Butt Slide Hill, hot food, coffee, heat, and volunteers at the Gnome Depot Aid Station. The Frozen Gnome is everything you could wish for from a winter wonderland race!

Finisher medals for both distances. Excellent Frozen Gnome Swag. Must-do winter race!

Earth Day

Earth Day 50k/25k/5 mile

Celebrate Earth Day by running through the woods, enjoying nature, and making new friends!

Come run with us at Veteran Acres and Sternes Woods in Crystal Lake, Illinois! The course runs through single track, rolling hills that will challenge and help you. Blossoming spring flowers, open prairie and pine forest await you. All races will start together. 

Awesome finisher awards & cool shirts! Annual event in April

GALENA SKY

8  & 4 hour timed ultra

Looped course, finisher medal & cool shirt swag for all runners!

Think of yourself as a Nordic Warrior conquering these challenging, yet runnable trails. The course is set on the trails of Chestnut Mountain Resort- winding through the same hills you ski in the winter. Majestic views - you will see Iowa and Wisconsin across the mighty Mississippi River. Look forward to the evening, eating a delicious finisher meal prepared by Chestnut Mountain Resort restaurant while watching the sunset on the Mississippi horizon. Annual event in May

KETTLE MORAINE

100 mile, 100k, 50k, 38 mile fun run & 100 mile team relay

The race is 100% trail with the exception of a few road crossings. 65 miles of the course is run on the Ice Age Trail. The race starts at Nordic Trail Head, N9084 County Road H, Whitewater, Wisconsin. 2nd full weekend of June annually.

This classic ultra marathon was started in 1995 by Kevin and Kris Setnes. They RD'd for 6 years, then Tim "Timo" Yanacheck and Jason Dorgan Co-RD'd until 2018.  These four ultra running pioneers have built traditions in Kettle Moraine 100 that will carry on for many years to come. Their work is why so many of us are trail and ultra-marathoners.

Upon Jason and Timo's retirement they chose Michele Hartwig- Ornery Mule Racing to be the new Race Director. Thank you Kevin, Kris, Timo and Jason for all you have done. You are greatly admired, respected and appreciated by the trail and ultra community.

Midwest States 100

100 mile/100k/50k

A true adventure race in the heart of Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Camp with friends in the woods prior to the event and join us for a fireside chat Thursday evening.

Your race entry is good to be either an official 100 mile or an official 100k finisher. Runners will get back to the start/finish line at the 100k point. You can stop here and be an official 100k finisher, or head back out and go for the 100 mile finish. There is not a DNF unless you stop before the 100k point.

The best aid stations. Cool swag. Amazing finisher medals. Annual event in August

HENNEPIN HUNDRED

100 mile solo/50 mile solo/50k solo/ 100 RELAY

Illinois only point-to-point ultramarathon. Flat and fast, the 50- and 100-mile courses follow the Hennepin Canal State Trail, Illinois’ longest multi-use trail, across historic locks and lift bridges, past the autumn corn, picturesque farms and postcard towns of northwest Illinois.

It’s a beautiful run, a perfect setting for a PR or first-time finish. Runners are cheered, encouraged and supported by 150 warm-hearted volunteers, many of whom are ultra runners themselves. At night, the stars above are magnificent.

The world's best aid stations. Cool swag. Amazing finisher medals. Come join us on the rustic Hennepin Canal trail! Annual event in October