Events
1/2 Marathon
1/2 Marathon - Early Start
1K Kiddo's Race
Information
🌷 First Call 5K, 10K & Half Marathon 🌷
Winter had its turn. Now it's yours.
The snow is melting, the days are getting longer, and your running shoes have been waiting patiently by the door. It's time to answer The First Call and kick off your 2027 race season in style!
Whether you're chasing a new PR, tackling your first race of the year, or simply excited to get back outside, this is where your season begins. Shake off the winter miles, stretch those legs, and discover just how fast spring can feel.
This year's race takes place on the lightning-fast Glacial Drumlin and Fox River Trails. It's smooth, scenic, and so fast... it's practically cheating. If you've been waiting for the perfect course to test your winter training, you've found it.
As the grand finale of the Chilly Willy Winter Run Series, The First Call is your victory lap for a winter well spent. While everyone else was waiting for spring, you were out there building strength, grit, and determination. Now it's time to see what all those cold-weather miles can do.
A new season. Fresh goals. Fast miles.
Answer the First Call and make your first finish line your best one yet.
What is rucking?
Rucking is a physical activity that involves walking or hiking with a weighted backpack (called a rucksack). The term comes from the military, where soldiers train and operate carrying heavy loads over long distances. In civilian fitness and recreation, rucking is gaining popularity as a versatile and low-impact workout. We now offer it at all Chilly Willy Events!
More information about rucking.
Although the Ruck Divisions are timed, it’s not competitive, and there are no age group awards. However, ruckers will still receive a finisher woodle!
Location
810 W College Ave
E.B. Shurts Building, Fox River Sanctuary
Waukesha, WI 53186 US
View Location on Map
Parking
Parking is limited at the E.B. Shurts Building parking lot, but there is plenty of street parking within a short walking distance of the building. Please do not park in any business parking lots.
Course
The course is a little long but is flat and fast, utilizing the scenic Fox River Trail and Glacial Drumlin Trail. All runners will start at the E.B. Shurts Building in Waukesha.
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All participants: Head west on the Fox River Trail to the turnaround point at Sunset Drive, then return along the same trail to the Fox River Trail and Glacial Drumlin Trail intersection.
- 5K runners: Continue straight to the finish line.
- 10K runners: Turn around at the intersection, head back to the Sunset Drive turnaround, and return to the finish.
- Half Marathon Runners: Turn onto the Glacial Drumlin Trail and proceed to the turnaround just before MacArthur Road. Return along the Glacial Drumlin Trail to the Fox River Trail (this completes one lap), follow it to the Sunset Drive turnaround, then head back to the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
- The half marathon consists of three laps.
- After the 3rd out and back on the Glacial Drumlin Trail, turn left and head to the finish line.
For detailed course maps, please click the link below!
Course Timing and Early Start Policy
As much as we’d love to spend endless time at our favorite race sites, our permits limit the time we can occupy the course. To comply with these restrictions, the course will close for the final lap at 11:00 AM, and participants will not be permitted to continue once the course is officially closed.
Early Start Option for Half Marathoners
If you're concerned about finishing the half marathon within the allotted time, we're here to help you achieve your running goals! We offer an early start option for half marathoners who need extra time.
- Important Details:
- Early starters will receive a chip time.
- Early starters are not eligible for age group or series awards.
- The course may not yet be fully set up:
- Markings, marshals, police, and aid stations may not be in place.
- The course will remain open to the public.
- Early starts are available only for half marathon participants.
Important Rules:
🚫 Non-Half Marathon Participants: Those starting early in other races will not receive an official time and will be disqualified.
🚫 Continuing After Closure: Participants who continue after being asked to stop will also be disqualified.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Aid Stations
The course features two aid stations (see course map). All runners and walkers, regardless of distance, will pass the corresponding aid stations on their way out and again on the return after the turnaround points. Aid stations will be stocked with water, sports drinks, and energy gels.
T-Shirts
Everyone who is registered by noon March 5 will be guaranteed a custom gender specific dry-wick T-shirt. After that, shirts will be available while online supplies last. Any extra shirts will be distributed after the race on a first come, first served basis. About T-shirts.
Upgrade to a long sleeve for only $5.95.
Schedule and Packet Pickup
PLEASE BRING YOUR EMAIL RECEIPT WITH YOU!
You do not need to print it, but we will need to scan the QR code on the email receipt, so please have your email accessible on your mobile device or save a picture of your receipt with the QR code to your device’s image library. We strongly encourage you to pick up your packet early.
Schedule
Race Day Sunday, March 21, 2027
7:45 am Packet Pick-up
8:00 am Early Start Half Marathon
8:45 am 1K Kiddo's Race Starts
9:00 am All Races Start
Noon Course Closes
Packet Pickup FAQ
Can I pick up another person's packet? Yep
Do I need an ID? Do pigs fly?
Can I register at packet pickup? Yep
Can I pick up my packet race day? Yep
Can I transfer my race to someone else before the race? Yep
Hot Chocolate Bar!
Back by popular demand for the 2026-27 Chilly Willy Winter Run Series... our legendary Hot Chocolate Bar!
You've conquered the miles. You've crossed the finish line. Now it's time for the sweetest part of race day.
Warm up with friends and fellow runners while creating the ultimate cup of hot chocolate. Load it up with delicious toppings, tasty treats, and all the cozy goodness your post-race heart desires. Whether you're celebrating a PR, a first finish, or simply surviving another Wisconsin winter run, there's no better reward than a steaming cup of cocoa.
The Hot Chocolate Bar will be waiting for you at every Chilly Willy Series race, making it the perfect post-race gathering spot. Grab a cup, share stories from the course, cheer on fellow runners, and stick around for the awards ceremony, which is often enjoyed with a warm mug in hand.
Cold weather. Warm cocoa. Great friends. That's the Chilly Willy way. ❄️☕🏃♂️
Awards
Your race time and age group result are available online after you cross the finish line - select RESULTS from the menu above. All runners will receive a finisher woodle from Ridgeway Woodworks and the top 3 male & female finishers, in 5-year age groups, will receive a custom woodle. An awards ceremony will take place at the race. Awards can also be picked up the Wednesday after the race at Silver Circle's Global Headquarters in Oconomowoc, WI. Your age is based on the date of the last event in the Chilly Willy Winter Run Series.
Average Joe & Jane Awards
The Average Joe & Jane Awards are back for the 5K Chilly Willy Winter Run Series! The award is presented to the male and female runner that finished in the exact middle of all runners. Winners of the award will receive a T-shirt and custom woodle from Ridgeway Woodworks!
Volunteers
We need volunteers for everything from aid station support to course marshals. If you or your group have an interest in volunteering, we would greatly appreciate the assistance. All volunteers can run a future race at no charge. Register to volunteer by clicking on the volunteer link in the menu above. For more information on volunteering click here.
Timing
The race is chip timed by Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC with a chip start. Your time will start when you cross the start line and stops when you cross the finish line.
Walkers Welcome
Walkers and families are welcome to participate! We ask that all walkers stay to the right of the road so runners can pass on the left.
Race Insurance
We get it—life happens! That’s why we recommend purchasing event insurance during checkout.
What is RegShield Insurance?
Race insurance, provided by RegShield (a FanShield product), offers peace of mind by reimbursing the registration cost if you’re unable to attend due to covered reasons, including:
- Accident
- Illness
- Family emergency
Need Help with Insurance?
RegShield is a third-party provider. For any questions related to your plan, contact FanShield:
📧 help@fanshield.com
📞 1-844-849-4827 EXT. 1
Charity Partner
Silver Circle Foundation, Inc 501(c)3 is dedicated to supporting the needs of our firefighters, police officers, veterans, and troops serving overseas through charitable giving, care packages, and fundraising.
Weather / Refund Policy
Refunds are not permitted for any reason.
The event will be held unless severe weather occurs. In the event of severe weather, the race director may delay or cancel the event. If the event is canceled, there will be no refunds. Silver Circle Sports Events has a NO REFUND policy.
I Want To...
How to Transfer, Defer, Change Shirt Size, or Change Distances
Follow these steps to make changes to your race registration:
- Go to RunSignUp.com and log in to your account.
- Select your Profile.
- Scroll down to the race you wish to modify.
- Click on "Manage Registration".
- Choose from the available options in the menu, including:
- Transfers (to another participant or race)
- Change Shirt Size
- Modify Team
- Change Distances
- Resend Confirmation/QR Code
- Deferrals
Make your adjustments quickly and easily online!
Workplace Wellness Program Partnerships
Are you involved with a workplace wellness program? We’d love to help!
Here’s how it works:
- Contact us with your workplace information.
- We will create a code for your wellness members to use at registration checkout that will waive or discount the registration fee. You can offer any discount amount your workplace wellness program allows.
- The day after the race, we will send you an invoice that can be paid online.
SCSE Wants to Help You Save! 💰🏃♂️
At Silver Circle Sports Events, we love rewarding our runners! Now, you can earn money back on your registration just by inviting your friends to join you at the race.
Here’s how it works:
✅ At Checkout – After registering, you'll have the option to share your unique referral link on Facebook.
✅ Email Confirmation – Your registration receipt will include a personal referral link that you can forward to friends.
✅ Earn Rewards – For every 5 friends who register using your link, you’ll receive $20 back on your registration—it’s that easy!
More friends, more savings! 🎉 Whether you’re running, walking, or just in it for the post-race snacks, why not bring your crew along and get rewarded?
Start saving today—register now! 🏃♀️
Silver Circle Sports Events
This event is a Silver Circle Sports Events, LLC owned, produced, timed & managed event. Need help with an event? Contact us HERE.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
