The Short & Brutal and Long & Difficult courses were designed and test-run to finish at the same time. We run each course multiple times, maintaining similar pace and heartrate on similar terrain between the two courses, tweaking the courses until the times match up.

Click on View Full Version in map header below to download the GPX file which will help you generally follow the routes if you wish to preview run them using a gps app on a watch or phone. Distances in Ride with GPS are inaccurate due to switchbacks and tree coverage. We have used a measurement wheel to determine the actual 3.1 and 3.4 mile distances, by far the most accurate way to achieve this. Note that Robinette’s is closed to trail running during their crazy busy fall harvest season but you are welcome to walk the courses as part of your visit there.

The first mile of the 3.1 (approx.) mile Short & Brutal course will have several substantial hill climbs, with a similar flow and terrain to previous years. Survive the punishment of Provin Trails and you’ll receive a reprieve with faster, somewhat flatter ground but over rooty, twisty terrain for much of the rest of the race. The race will end with the grand finale Corn Maze.

The 3.4 (approx.) mile Long & Difficult is on less extreme terrain with hills that are not as steep (there’s a glitch in the elevation profile so ignore the steep drop!). No sand to climb. Classic Robinette’s north woods with lots of twists, small hills and rootiness. It’s certainly not easy. Long & Difficult will also finish with the corn maze.

We will mostly use arrow signs in off-trail areas with some caution tape and flags. Mile marker signs will be posted as well. Note that you will not be routed through any briar patches or swamps. We will try to remove as many eye-level branches as possible in the off-trail sections, but we recommend glasses for eye protection just in case.