In The Woods Captains- Remote, Rugged & Worth the Journey.

In the Woods Aid Station: Remote, Rugged & Worth the Journey

There is a reason 554C Aid Station quickly earned the nickname “In the Woods.”

This is one of the most remote aid stations at Midwest States 100. Getting there is an adventure of its own. The station sits tucked back from the Ice Age Trail in a gorgeous pocket of the Chequamegon National Forest, and access requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

We learned just how remote it was during our inaugural race. After more rain than we could have imagined, our delivery vehicle got stuck trying to reach the station. It took the whole volunteer crew pitching in to push it free so supplies could continue making their way around the course. Race directing lesson learned!

Once you get there, though, you understand why this spot is so special.

The aid station sits slightly off the Ice Age Trail in a peaceful little forest haven. It's the kind of place where you can hear the woods around you and do a little accidental forest bathing while waiting for runners to arrive.

Runners get to visit In the Woods twice. After their first visit, they head out for a loop on a beautiful ATV trail before eventually returning to the station. And waiting for them both times are two people who have been part of Midwest States 100 from the very beginning.

Meet Your Captains: Shana & Steve Stangler

Shana and Steve Stangler have captained In the Woods Aid Station since the inaugural Midwest States 100.

When the race was first announced, they knew they wanted to be involved. Both have a passion for running and hiking the Ice Age Trail, and they volunteer with their local Ice Age Trail Alliance chapter in southeastern Wisconsin.

That connection to the trail, combined with their experience caring for ultrarunners, makes them exactly the kind of people you want waiting for you deep in the forest.

Their philosophy is simple: every runner matters.

Whether you're the first runner coming through chasing a record or the final runner fighting for every minute before cutoff, Shana and Steve want you to feel supported and cared for.

Their experienced volunteer team knows when a runner needs a quick refill and a push back onto the trail, and when someone needs to sit down for a few minutes, regroup, and work through whatever challenge the miles have delivered.

Sometimes the best aid station volunteers get you out in 30 seconds.

Sometimes they sit beside you until you're ready.

In the Woods does both.

When Shana and Steve aren't running, hiking or volunteering on the trails, you'll often find them off-grid camping, bicycling or traveling.

We are incredibly fortunate that they chose to make this remote little corner of the forest their Midwest States home from the very beginning. 🌲♥️