UMTR- Meet the Upper Midwest Trail Runners: The Crew Behind the UMTR Aid Station
When you arrive at the UMTR Aid Station by P-Town during the Midwest States 100, you’ll be greeted by a group that has been supporting trail runners and the places we run for many years.
The Upper Midwest Trail Runners (UMTR) was formed in 2007, with its first official season kicking off in 2008. Nearly two decades later, the club continues to bring runners together and give back to the trails and parks that make this sport possible.
UMTR welcomes runners of all backgrounds and abilities to discover the joy of off-road running. Their mission goes beyond running. They work to protect local trails and parks while building a community rooted in equality, respect, and a shared love of the trails.
That commitment to community is one of the reasons we’re so happy to have UMTR as part of Midwest States 100.
Photo from UMTR Facebook page
Taking Care of Runners
Anyone who has spent a long day on the trail knows how much an aid station can matter.
Sometimes you need food and water. Sometimes you need someone to help you figure out what you need before you even know yourself. And sometimes you just need a friendly face, a little encouragement, and someone reminding you that you can keep going.
The UMTR crew brings years of trail running experience and a genuine love for the trail community to their station. They understand runners because they are runners, volunteers, trail advocates, and supporters of the sport themselves.
Last year, our documentary crew captured some of that energy at the UMTR Aid Station. Take a look at the crew in action and what it feels like to arrive at their station during Midwest States 100.
Watch: UMTR Aid Station at Midwest States 100
What Midwest States 100- 2025 Race video here
Meet the UMTR Board
Behind the club is a group of volunteers helping keep its mission and community moving forward.
The UMTR Board includes:
Mike Wallin, President
Karin Noerenberg, Vice President
Laura Boyce, Treasurer
Erika Lohn, Secretary
John Eiden, At-Large
Jeff Berg, At-Large
Kaz Schmanski, At-Large
Kathy Beatty, At-Large
Of course, the people you'll meet at the aid station extend well beyond the board. UMTR is a community of runners and volunteers who continue to give their time and energy back to the trails and the people who use them.
Part of What Makes Midwest States Special
Our aid stations aren't simply places to grab calories and refill bottles. They're little communities tucked into the woods, each brought to life by people who choose to spend their day taking care of someone else's adventure.
We are grateful to the Upper Midwest Trail Runners for continuing to show up for our runners and for everything they do for the larger trail running community.
When you reach the UMTR Aid Station by P-Town, take a moment to say hello and thank the volunteers.
They'll take care of you, then send you back into the woods. 🐴
