The first Saturday after Labor Day has the scenic town of Elroy, Wisconsin, sponsoring its own Apple Dumpling Days.  As part of the festivities, The Elroy Lions Club held its first races in 2007, hosting a 5K run/walk and a .75K kids fun run.  The Elroy Lions Club expanded in 2008 and added a very successful ½ marathon.  All three races were run in 2009 with increased participation and are back for 2010!  Elroy is the center of three abandoned railroad beds that have all been converted to bike trails.  These three trails are the Juneau County Omaha Trail, the Elroy-Sparta Trail, and the 400 Trail.  The trails provide a great running surface, a nice amount of shade, and fantastic scenery for the runners.  All runners will receive a race T-shirt, a free apple-dumpling, medals for the top finishers, as well as refreshments (fruit, water, sports drink, soda) at the end of the race. Link to a registration form by going to this page.

Elroy Tunnel-Trails Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

The half marathon is unique in that it uses three different bike trails and features a fascinating tunnel.  The event begins in the charming village of Hustler, Wisconsin.  The runners will begin the race on the peaceful and secluded Juneau County Omaha Trail and head south towards Elroy for about 10 miles.  Runners will pass through the tunnel after about three miles of the run.  The tunnel was built in 1876 and is 875 feet long!  There is a gradual incline up to the tunnel and a gradual decline afterwards.  Flashlights will be given to the runners while in the tunnel to increase safety.  Furthermore, runners should use caution and good judgment while running in the tunnel.  Upon entering Elroy, the course will take a short wind through Kimball Avenue and then a one-mile trek on County PP.  There, the runners will take the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail into Elroy, pick up the 400 Trail, and enter the Elroy City (Schultz) Park for the finish line. 

After registration & instructions, all runners will board busses at the Elroy Park at 8:00 a.m. and head to Hustler, arriving there at about 8:30.  Bathroom facilities and bag & tag will be available there.  The race will start at 9:00.  Runners need to understand that they will encounter some bicycle traffic along the way and good judgment will be necessary.  Water and sports drink will be provided at regular intervals (1 – 2 miles) and “GU” will be provided at about the eight-mile mark.  Check out http://www.halfmarathons.net/usa_half_marathons_wisconsin_elroy_tunnel_trails_half_marathon.html  for a map (scroll down on the page). For trail information www.elroybiketrails.org/trails.htm.

 Elroy Apple Dumpling Dash 5K

 The 5K run/walk starts and finishes at the Elroy City Park, near the Elroy Lions Food Stand.  Participants will head out of the park, and take the 400 Bike Trail into downtown Elroy, cross onto the Elroy-Sparta Trail until they reach the Thompson Memorial Park parking lot.  Runners will loop there and return the way they came, ending near the Elroy Lions Food Stand.  This is great fun for both runners and walkers.

Green Apple Kids Fun Run .75K Park Lap (12 & under) or 200 yard Apple Sauce Run (7 & under)

Kids 12 and under can enjoy a one-lap run around the Elroy City Park, starting and finishing at the Elroy Lions Food Stand.  The distance is .75K or just short of a half-mile.  A 200 yard Apple Sauce run will also be offered for those kids 7 and under.  Run, jog, or walk, all are OK for the Green Apple kids.  All Green Apple Kids Fun Runners will receive medals in addition to the other goodies.

Here are some useful links to websites for runners. For City of Elroy website click here. Local lodging Nearby lodging

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