Michele Hartwig OMR Founder
Michele Hartwig
Lover of trails, wild flowers, my cats Goldie and Ryker, friends and family
I started running after my kids were born. The picture in the header is me finishing one of my first marathons. My son Royal and daughter Tasha ran me in. I love them so much, and this picture means the world to me.
As I continued this sport I was quickly drawn to trail running, with a strong curiosity towards ultrarunning. I heard about Kettle Moraine 100/100k trail race which is close to my house. I decided to go to the race and spectate as my first ultra-experience.
I showed up at Nordic where Timo and Jason greeted me like an old friend even though I had never met them. I was nervous and intimidated by the event. To be welcomed so warmly helped me relax.
It was my first time seeing aid stations set up on trails, and volunteers caring for runners of all ages, shapes and sizes. I spent the day and night watching runners. I met families, crew, and volunteers. I witnessed how special those night time aid stations are. It was an exciting, laid-back welcoming community. I knew then I wanted to be a part of it.
A year later I showed up at Kettle 100k. I had a great plan, go out at my marathon pace and try and hold it all day. I blew up like a typical newbie, and walked in complete fatigue and agony for the next 50k of mileage. I was hooked on ultra “running”.
Since I enjoy the sport of ultra and trail running so much I wanted to share it with everyone. I decided to put on a trail race on my local trails at Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The first race I put on was Earth Day 50k/15 mile/5 mile in 2012.
In life we tend to mimic people we admire. Timo and Jason are two of those people for me. I have thought of them often as I make Race director decisions over the years. As an RD, it is very important to me to that everyone feels as welcome as I did at my first ultra.
I believe in people, and want to help them believe in themselves. Nothing makes me happier than getting to see new runners discover the sport. I feel the sport of ultrarunning is great for entire communities. I have some dear friends that are not ultra or trail runners that have enriched their lives by regularly volunteering at trail races.
Running an ultra-marathon is a huge family commitment. Runners and their crew have put their trust in the race organizers to give them a great event. I take that responsibility very personally, and I work hard to ensure they have a safe and awesome experience.
I am a believer in supporting the things I care about. I care about trails. I am committed to being a good steward to the trails. I am on a few volunteer boards that support trails and outdoor space. I also believe as a trail runner I need to donate above what my tax dollars do to maintain trails.
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Quick Bio- Race Director of Midwest trail races including Kettle Moraine 100, Hennepin Hundred, Midwest States 100 and more unique races on a variety of our favorite Illinois & Wisconsin trails. A certified Running coach that enjoys training, learning and working on healthy nutrition. Trail advocate that serves on two non-profit boards that support trails & outdoor space.
In my down time I enjoy spoiling my cats Ryker & Goldie, and decorating my body with nature tattoos. I have the best husband in the world Royal, and two beautiful children, Royal and Tasha.
Outdoor and volunteer trail Boards I am active in
Crystal Lake Park District- Board President. Served for 8 years.
Trails for Illinois- former board member
Hennepin Canal State Park Foundation- Current Board President. This is a fun & thriving organization
Crystal Lake Parks Initiative Foundation- Current Board member President.
Hennepin Canal steering committee- this was a committee formed by local politicians to help come up with a plan to create an non-profit organizations that had a focus on helping the Hennepin Canal State Park.
Former Board member and President of Friends of the Hennepin Canal- accomplishments while serving on the board, secured a grant to help pay for the guard locks in Rock Falls. Organized two Trick or Treat events at the Hennepin Canal State Park Visitor Center. This organization is not affiliated with the Hennepin Canal State Park, but some of their projects have helped it.
Founder/Owner of Ornery Mule Racing races
Galena Sky Trail race 8 & 4-hour timed trail event
The Hennepin Hundred 100/50 mile/50k and 100-mile relay
A few of my ultra-racing highlights:
Kettle Moraine 100k - 1st Master Female 15:11, 4th overall Female
Green Swamp 50 mile- 1st Overall female
Winona Lake 50 miler-1st Overall Female
Marquette 50 mile, Michigan- 2nd overall female, 11:37
FANS 12-hour race, Minnesota- 2nd Overall Female, 63.07 miles
Coyote Springs 100, Nevada- 1st Overall Female and only female finisher, 31:45
North Country 50 miler, 1st place AG, 11th overall Female 10:26
Pumpkin Holler 100 -4th overall Female, 24:48
Devils Lake 50 mile- 5th overall female
Javelina 100-mile finisher
Javelina 100k 2-time finisher
Bear 12 Hour Trail race, West Virginia- 3rd overall Female, 52 miles
Lean Horse 100- 2-time finisher
Ice Age 50 mile
Crown King 50k, AZ in 2023. 6500 feet of gain on this course. Exciting flatlander accomplishment for me.
Many marathons
Plus a variety of DNF’s that taught me my best endurance lessons
“Training with Michele”
I currently enjoy blogging about my Fitness Journey. I am over 57 years old and continuing to learn how to juggle life, self care, training and nutrition. I post recipes, nutrition that is working for me, training tips, fails and anything I think may be helpful to others like me. If this sounds like something that would be helpful to you then follow along at “Training with Michele” LINK
My kids running me to my first marathon finish.