2026 Winter Warriors NY Challenge: Conquer the Frozen Tundra

Winter in Wisconsin doesn’t ask for permission. It shows up early, stays late, and dares you to keep going.

Conquer the Frozen Tundra is our newest winter run program for runners and walkers who know that strength is built when the air bites and the sidewalks crunch. This is about momentum through the darkest months, shared miles, and finding warmth in community even when the thermometer disagrees. You don’t battle winter alone. You move through it together. And this year, we’re tackling the state of Wisconsin on our tour!

Each week, we’ll tackle new routes across Wisconsin designed to introduce you to the sights and sounds of communities across the state. As you track your mileage, you’ll get guidance on cold-weather gear, pacing, and footing, plus the accountability that makes it easier to lace up when the couch feels persuasive. No bravado required. Just consistency, grit, and a willingness to show up.

This program is for anyone who wants to:

• Stay active all winter without going it alone
• Build strength and confidence for spring
• Learn how to run smarter, not harder, in cold conditions
• Be part of a crew that understands why winter miles matter

You don’t have to love winter to conquer it. You just have to keep moving. The program about resilience, consistency, and showing up when the forecast says “nah.”

Winter doesn’t stop us. We adapt. Join us, and come out stronger on the other side.

Throughout the 12-week program, participants will unlock themed segments of a virtual route across Wisconsin:

1. Beloit to Madison – 57 miles   Capital city miles
2. Madison to Wisconsin Dells – 55 miles   Carved by water, hardened by winter
3. Wisconsin Dells to Stevens Point – 80 miles   The heartland grind
4. Stevens Point to Minocqua – 100 miles  Into the Northwoods
5. Minocqua to Bayfield – 117 miles   Where winter rules

Each checkpoint unlocks:

• Fun facts about the region
• A welcome packet from the town you are visiting
• Discounts/prizes from a Saucony

PROGRAM COST: Tackle the miles individually or as a team!

• $40 solo
• $60 team of two
• $80 team of three

PROGRAM DETAILS The program is 12 weeks in length. The goal is to cover the 409 miles is takes to cross the state of Wisconsin solo or with a team. You don’t battle winter alone. You move through it together.

Monthly emails will come out during the program, one at the start of each month (January, February, and March). They will be full of tips, additional ways to stay motivated, and various bonus materials, so be sure to review them at the start of each month. They will also include instructions for logging your mileage. Logging regularly will give you opportunities to unlock additional benefits of the program.

This program does not include a specific program to follow, it is simply an accountability challenge to keep everyone moving during the cold and dark winter months!  All paces and levels including walkers are welcome. Everyone will likely be completing different distances at various paces on their own and during the optional group meet-ups, we love this! We will take a group picture at each meet-up and then everyone can be on their way.

Optional In-Person Meet-ups for those local to the Fox Valley:

• Tuesday evening Pub Run/Walk at 6:00PM at Appleton Beer Factory, in Appleton (it will be dark, night gear required) Organized routes of up to 6 miles.
• RETURNING Saturday morning Coffee Run/Walk at 8:00AM at The Plaza, in Neenah. This run will Loop the Lake, which is a 4-mile route from the Plaza. CLICK HERE for route details.

Challenge Specifics (PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING)

• Please make sure that you are registering with a valid email and mailing address, meaning one that you regularly check. We communicate with participants through email, and you will miss important information if you don't see our emails!
• All runs/walks must be completed between the challenge dates of January 1 – March 31 to apply to your mileage.
• At least 20% of your mileage must be completed outdoors to count. Treadmills are awesome but c'mon guys, the group is called Winter Warriors!
• We’re proponents of cross-training, so every 5 hours of cycling, swimming, lifting, yoga, rowing or some moderately aerobic fitness effort can be ‘cashed in’ for 1 mile on your tracking. You’re on your honor on this one!!
• You will be able to rack MANUALLY or ONLINE; instructions on how to track mileage and activities will be emailed in the first week of January or within 48 hours of registering for the program.
• As you complete legs of your trip across Wisconsin, you will earn various Saucony winter gear and receive a packet of facts and materials from each of location you visit. Each member of the team will receive all materials. Gear will be available for pick-up at Fleet Feet Fox Valley, 3404 W College Ave, in Appleton. If you are participating from outside of our area, you may opt-in for shipments to be mailed to you by selecting a $20 one-time shipping charge. This will cover all shipments throughout the program (event distance milestone will have an associated shipment).

Q: I am not going to be in town the Open House and Shopping Event on Wed, Dec 31 and Thurs, Jan 1, 2026. Can I pick up my SWAG after January 1? 

A: Yes, any packets not picked up during our 2-day Open  House and Shopping Event can still be picked up in store as the program begins. Shipping is also available for out-of-town participants or those who prefer it vs. in-store pickup.

Q: What if I registered and now I can't participate due to injury, illness, or something else?

A: We start ordering supplies as soon as registrations start coming in, so we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds for any reason. That said, there will still be great information and in-store discounts for you to take advantage of through the 12-week program. We also encourage you to keep track of any cross-training you do because those can be converted into miles while you rehab.

Q: I already signed up and now a friend/family member wants to join me. Can we still sign up and a team? How do we get the discounted pricing?

A: That’s great! We love buddies and the more the merrier. Have your friend register solo and then send us an email indicated team members names. We will issue credits to you both and make the adjustment on the back-end.

Q: I’m not great with technology so I worry about the tracking. Is this program still for me?

A: Of course! Listen there’s a lot of flexibility built into this program for a reason; our goal is to meet you where you are at in your fitness journey and not to complicate things when it comes to tracking either. You will have the option to track physically on a mileage map and communicate your results to us. All the instructions will be provided in an email as the program begins. At the end of the day, much of this is on your honor and just to keep you moving throughout the winter months. Maybe you’ll even start to enjoy the frozen tundra!!

Q: Can I participate in the in-person group runs with a stroller?

A: Strollers are welcome at both the Tuesday night Pub Run and the Saturday morning Coffee Run. We stay on paths and sidewalks at all times for both, so they are completely stroller-friendly, but please your own judgment & discretion when it comes to pace and temperatures.

Q: Will the optional in-person group runs be canceled due to bad weather?

A: Probably not unless road conditions are dangerous for us to be out driving or conditions are really dangerous for running.  In most cases though, we will be out there in all conditions! You can refer to our Weather Policy on our website for a list of criteria that would cause a cancellation.