Underdown races combine forces
GLEASON (Wausau Pilot & Review) – The Underdown Trail running race and Thunderdown in the Underdown mountain bike race have combined in 2021. Previously held back-to-back weekends, the races will now be held on a single epic day. The Underdown Trail Races began in 2017 and feature a half-marathon, marathon, and 50k trail run. The Thunderdown in the Underdown, which started in 1989, has 13, 33, and 100 mile bike options. Each 33 mile lap boasts four lakes, five bermed boardwalks, and 70 hills on epic singletrack. The Underdown Recreation Area’s recent trail improvements include several miles of machine-built trails, addition of boardwalk trail along Underdown Lake, new signage, and an additional outhouse.
“It’s a great chance for families with bikers and runners to have fun at a single event and celebrate together,” said Chris Schotz, race director of both events. "Bike racers head out just before the runners to keep things flowing down the trail. Bike or run, the challenge of the terrain brings out the camaraderie in athletes."
The Thunderdown in the Underdown continues to be part of the Wisconsin Endurance Mountain Bike Series (WEMS). The event is co-sponsored by IRONBULL and Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition (CWOCC).
All racers receive a free meal and social time after the races with live music which even includes a theme song from the event. Finishers are also greeted with a pint glass at the finish line. Net proceeds go back into the trail system.
The races start and end at the Underdown Recreation Area on August 21, 2021. For more race information on the Underdown Trail Races go to https://www.ironbull.org/underdown-details or the Facebook page. For more race information on the Thunderdown in the Underdown mountain bike races go to https://wemseries.com/hundred-down-in-the-underdown/ or the Facebook page.
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