The Guv'nor Frozen 50
About the race
The core running season may be over but it’s not time to take it easy just yet. It’s named The Guv'nor Frozen 50 for a reason.
You not only have to take on Old Man Winter but “The Guv'nor” has quite a battle awaiting those who dare challenge her authority.
With an average elevation profile of 136ft of ascent per mile (across all distances), this relentless grind and unpredictable weather will challenge the mind, body and spirit.
Aid stations, drop bags, crew and medical
Aid stations
There are 4 aid station locations (Cox Hollow, Ranger Station, Horse Camp and Twin Valley). All aid stations will be stocked with traditional fare in addition to each one providing some unique offerings.
Drop bags
- 50K only.
- There will be a drop bag tent at the Twin Valley aid station (Race HQ, mile 15.8).
Crew and pacers
- Pacers and crew are only allowed for the 50K.
- Crew can be at the Twin Valley aid station (Race HQ, mile 15.8).
- You can pick up a pacer for the last leg from Horse Camp to the finish.
Medical
EMS will be stationed at Race HQ.
Awards
Top 3 male and female finishers in each distance and the top overall non-binary finisher in each distance will receive an award.
Age group positions will be listed on the results but there will be no age group awards. We like to do things a little differently and opt to keep entry fees reasonable and invest in the experiences throughout the event that everyone can enjoy.
Start times and date
- December 5th, 2026
- 50K & 25K: 8:00am start
- 15K: 9:00am start
Race location
Governor Dodge State Park
Twin Valley Picnic Area
4175 WI-23
Dodgeville, WI 53533
Packet pickup
Friday 12/04/2026
Time and location to be announced.
Saturday 12/05/2026
- 50K/25K: 6:45am-7:45am
- 15K: 6:45am-8:45am
- Governor Dodge State Park, Twin Valley Picnic Shelter (Race HQ)
Finisher items
All participants will receive a race-specific swag item, finisher medal, and post-race food.
What your entry includes
The course
50K
25K
15K
The course runs on a mix of horse trail, dirt single and double track and prairie path, and the 15K also uses single track. The 50K and 25K are marked in orange and the 15K in green, with distance-specific signs at every split. If snow covers the ground, the race moves to a shorter loop with better access for emergency response and support.
Snow plan and alternate course
Because the planned route utilizes an active snowmobile trail with limited access points, winter conditions significantly reduce our ability to reach participants in certain sections of the course. Snow cover further restricts emergency access, vehicle mobility, and volunteer support.
With participant safety as our top priority, any impactful snow accumulation on the ground will trigger a course pivot to a more accessible and support-friendly route.
Alternate course
In the event of snow, the race will shift to an approximately 8-mile loop with reliable access for emergency response, aid, and runner support.
- 50K: 4 loops
- 25K: 2 loops
- 15K: 1 loop
Aid and support
- Cox Hollow Aid Station: located mid-loop with full support
- Twin Valley Aid Station (Start/Finish/Split): full support, timing, and drop-bag access
This contingency ensures we maintain a safe, well-supported race experience while still delivering a scenic and challenging trail event, even in winter conditions.
The course is subject to change pending approval by the park and trail conditions leading up to the event.
Route markings and signs
The 50K & 25K routes will be marked with orange snow stakes, orange pin flags, orange arrow signs and orange marking tape. The 15K route will be marked with green snow stakes, green pin flags, green arrow signs and green marking tape.
All turns and trail crossings will be marked as well as pink “wrong way” signs on trails not to go down.
There will be distance specific directional signs wherever there are splits in the course. Please read these carefully to ensure you stay on course.
Race weekend schedule
Location
City insight: Dodgeville
Dodgeville is a city in Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA, and the county seat, with a population of 4,984 at the 2020 census. It is the most populous city in the county and is part of the Madison metropolitan area. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters, so late spring and early autumn are the best seasons to race.
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