Be Free

press release: Ultrarunner Jonnah Perkins a podium regular who competes in 50K, 50-Mile, and 100K races in Wisconsin and the West Coast, will introduce you to a hidden gem: The Verona Segment in Dane County. This suburban segment makes good use of three county parks and links up to a variety of additional hiking and biking trails.

She’ll be joined by seasoned trail runner and Yogi, Brenda Bland (currently teaching yoga with the YMCA), who has fourteen 100-mile races under her belt, including Leadville Trail 100. Nora Bird, running coach behind Team Bird Training will also add to the available expertise. She competes in ultramarathons in the Midwest and around the country including Leadville 100 and Wasatch 100. Nora loves helping women find their passion on the trail.

Runners Kelly Tyrrell and Lysianne Unruh will round out the support so no one is left behind and we all have fun.

Kelly is a science writer and has competed in several 50K and 50-mile races in Wisconsin, including finishing 3rd female at the Ice Age 50 in 2017. Lysianne, IATA staff member and life coach, is a happy, mid-pack runner who accidentally signs up for 50K races while sipping chardonnay and paging through Trail Runner magazine.

Welcoming both beginners and seasoned trail runners, a 3.5-mile loop or a 6.5-mile distance is available. An easy pace will be set and no one will be left behind.

Jonnah, Brenda, Nora, Kelly, and Lysianne will share stories about why they love running, why the Ice Age Trail inspires them, and answer questions about trail running, once we’re all back at the shelter.

Celebratory refueling snacks available at the end of the run provided in part by Organic Valley, especially their Mighty products made with 100% organic beef. Yumbutter will also be on the premises with their mouth-rockin’, world-changing nut butters.  One Barrel Brewing Company will have beer on hand for you too, and Wigwam will be giving away a pair of free socks to each participant!

NOTE: Runners, please wear Blaze Orange and bring a change of warm clothes for post-run yoga/stories/celebration.

Be FREE Schedule:

6.5-Mile Distance

9:30 a.m. check-in at Shelter 1, Badger Prairie Park

9:45 a.m. bus ride to the Start (PD – Ice Age Junction Area) for runners running 6.5 miles.

10:00 a.m. Start

11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. arrive at end point (Wesner Road) where the bus will take 6.5-mile distance runners back to Badger Prairie Park.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. everyone back for mini-celebration

3.5-Mile Distance

9:30 a.m. check-in at Shelter 1, Badger Prairie Park

9:45 a.m. Start (leave from the shelter to run the 3.5 mile loop)

10:15 a.m. – 10: 45 a.m.  arrive back at Shelter 1, Badger Prairie Park

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Yoga for Runners yoga session led by Brenda Bland

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. everyone back for mini-celebration

NOTE: The Verona Segment for the Be FREE event is located in DANE COUNTY.