Badger Challenge
Badger Challenge in Madison, WI, supports cancer research with a growing field and community spirit.
Race Date
Sep 27, 2026
Location
Madison, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Location
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 100 Miles, 100K, 50K, 25K, 5K, Global Biker, Global Runner
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 634
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Badger Challenge in Madison, Wisconsin, is more than just a race; it's a community-driven event dedicated to raising critical funds for cancer research at the University of Wisconsin and Carbone Cancer Center. Since its inception, the event has grown, with recent editions seeing around 270 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 12 states.
This half-marathon offers a flat, fast course, ideal for those seeking a personal best. The event's mission to accelerate cancer research and improve patient care resonates deeply, with 100% of participant-raised funds directly supporting this vital cause. Runners can expect a welcoming atmosphere focused on community and a shared commitment to making a difference.
While the repeat-runner rate is modest at around 7%, the event's growth trajectory and its strong ties to a leading research institution suggest a promising future. Participants receive a participant shirt, and the overall experience is geared towards supporting a meaningful mission.
Race-provided description
Badger Challenge is a signature Wisconsin walking, running, and biking event which energizes the community around the mission of raising funds for cancer research and patient treatment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The UW research environment brings together scientists and clinicians from a wide variety of disciplines to help solve complex problems affecting patient care, and Badger Challenge accelerates the rate at which collaboration and discovery occurs.
Badger Challenge's overall mission is simple - to increase cure rates and reduce the burden of cancer for future generations. 100% of all participant raised funds will go to support this mission. Join us and help write the story that ends cancer.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Start Time
8:15 AM
Giveaway
Participant Shirt
Start Location
UW Health Eastpark Medical Center, Madison, WI, 53718
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick484 years running
~170 finishers a year
growing or steady
7% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 12 states
winner 1:16:55
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
55°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 634 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
634
Median time
2:09:41
Latest turnout
270
States
15
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Badger Challenge?
The Badger Challenge is held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 8:15 AM.
Where does the Badger Challenge take place?
It takes place in Madison, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Badger Challenge offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 100 Miles, 100K, 50K, 25K, 5K, Global Biker, Global Runner.
Is the Badger Challenge course flat and good for a PR?
The Badger Challenge is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Badger Challenge?
HalfRuns has finish records for 634 runners who have completed the Badger Challenge.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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