Ornery Mule Racing

06/17/2026

Who are you inspiring?
Sometimes the biggest impact of running 100 miles has nothing to do with buckles, finish times, or race results.
It's the little eyes watching from the sidelines.

The children making signs. The families cheering until they're hoarse. The people who see someone refuse to quit when things get hard.

These kids could not have been more excited to watch their big brother, Tommy Gallagher, finish the Kettle Moraine 100. At just 17 years old, Tommy showed what dedication, courage, and perseverance look like in real life.
You never know who is watching your journey and learning what is possible because of it.

Kettle Moraine 100 💚

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Kettle Moraine 100.
What a weekend.

From the first steps at the starting line to the final emotional moments under the finish banner, this race was about so much more than miles. It was about grit when things got hard, kindness when it was needed most, and a community that shows up for one another year after year.

To every runner who chased a dream, battled through doubt, celebrated a breakthrough, or simply refused to quit... congratulations.

To every volunteer who filled bottles, handed out food, cheered until your voice was gone, marked trails, directed traffic, and cared for runners like family... thank you.

To the crews, pacers, spectators, photographers, sponsors, and supporters who make this event possible... you are part of every finish.

The Kettle Moraine 100 has always been about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This weekend was another beautiful reminder of why we keep coming back to these trails.
Congratulations, runners. Thank you, volunteers. Thank you, community.

❤️ See you on the trails.

Photos by Jenny Thorsen Photography

06/14/2026

At just 17 years old, Tommy Gallagher of Oak Park, Illinois crossed the finish line of the Kettle Moraine 100. 🖤

One hundred miles of trails. One hundred miles of challenges, doubts, highs, lows, and the kind of perseverance that can't be taught.

The finish line tells the story. The hugs. The tears. The disbelief. The realization that a dream became reality.

Congratulations, Tommy. Welcome to the Kettle Moraine 100 finisher family. 🎉



The Kettle Moraine 100 is one of the oldest 100-mile trail races in the United States and has been a fixture of the ultrarunning community since 1996. �

06/13/2026

Kettle Moraine 100 is on its way! Natalie's aid station is cooling runners off as they head out on the beautiful course on this amazing day!

06/10/2026

A little piece of ultrarunning history. 🖤

Thank you to Michael Riordan for sharing this incredible photo from Kettle Moraine 100.

The runner in the pink shorts and tank top is Ray O'Malley, the very first winner of the Kettle Moraine 100. Ray crossed the finish line in a time of 18:41:60 and helped begin a legacy that continues on these trails today.

Also pictured are several ultrarunning legends who inspired generations of trail runners:
• John Rhodee (in front of Ray)
• Terry Pann
• Brian McGowan

What makes this photo even more special is that Michael Riordan, Ray's nephew, was an 11-year-old kid cheering on his uncle. Michael shared:

"I can remember telling myself I would do this race someday."

And he did. (we will share a photo of Michael on another post)

One photo. Four legends. One young spectator dreaming about the future. Thirty years later, those dreams, stories, and traditions are still being carried down the Ice Age Trail by the runners who follow in their footsteps.

We believe this photo was taken by Kristine Hinrichs.

06/09/2026

A special Kettle Moraine story that spans generations.

In 1996, Ray O'Malley lined up at the Kettle Moraine 100 and went on to win the race overall while wearing bib #37.

This year, Ray Riordan, who was named after his Uncle and Godfather Ray O'Malley, will be running Kettle Moraine in his honor. To make the weekend even more meaningful, he is bringing along Ray O'Malley's original bib #37 and his overall winner's award for us to see.

Thirty years later, the legacy continues. One runner inspired a family, and now another Ray will carry that story down the same trails.

We love hearing and sharing the history that makes Kettle Moraine so special. 🖤 Thank you Ray for sharing this story and these photos with us!

---->Stay tuned for more stories about those Ray O'Malley inspired that day ♥

06/09/2026

The Meadows. 🌾🔥
Every year runners hear the warnings.
"The Meadows are hot."
"The Meadows are steamy."
"The Meadows will break you."

And every year The Meadows waits patiently, soaking up sunshine and collecting stories.

The truth? The Meadows may be the hottest section of the Kettle Moraine course, but they're also one of the most memorable.

The Meadows loves you.
It just has a funny way of showing it. 😅