Twisted Roots

Event overview

Twisted Roots is a trail running event on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at High Cliff State Park in Sherwood, Wisconsin (N7630 State Park Road). The event offers two distances:

• Marathon
• Half Marathon

Courses include technical single-track sections, wide rolling prairie, and views of Lake Winnebago. Runners also pass the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment and the historical Lime Kiln Ruins. Some trail sections are shared with mountain bikers and horse riders; participants are asked to yield and follow trail etiquette. Course layouts are awaiting final DNR approval.

Logistics and services

The event base is at the Gathering Space in the upper lot, with ample parking; the organizer does not have exclusive use of the park. Main aid will be at the Gathering Space, with at least one additional aid station to be announced. The event is cupless: no disposable single-use cups will be provided, and participants should bring reusable hydration carriers or cups for refills. Water, soda, and an electrolyte beverage will be available, plus running snacks. A post-race pasta buffet will be offered. Cutoff times are 8 hours for the full marathon and 5 hours for the half marathon. Registration opens October 31, 2025, at 12:00 AM CT. No alcohol, no disposable cups, and no cowbells are allowed. A portion of proceeds may be donated to the Friends of High Cliff State Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.