Athletic Competitions

Athletic competitions are a Syttende Mai tradition. 2024 marks the 52nd 20-Mile race. The loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail and Viking Dog Park. The timing chips start with the opening shot, so don't be late! The festival's Viking Games Competition has become a United States Strongman sanctioned event and draws competitors and fans from across the country. There is an athletic event for everyone, whether you run or walk in the 2-Mile Lil’ Run, paddle your canoe down the Yahara River, or cheer on your favorite Viking from the sidelines.  


VIKING GAMES

9th Annual Strongman Competition

Saturday, May 18, 2024
10am – 5pm

Bring out your inner Viking Warrior at Syttende Mai’s United States Strongman sanctioned competition!

Divided by weight class, amazing male and female athletes battle to be the best in five unique challenges testing strength, stamina, and heart. Competitors go head-to-head in contests such as the Atlas Stone, Conan’s Wheel, Frame/Hercules Hold, Tire Flip, and Viking Press.

This is a regional event sanctioned by United States Strongman, Inc. Viking Games competitors have an opportunity to qualify for U.S.S.C. Nationals.

Whether you are a competitor or a spectator, these games will pump you up and bring out your inner Viking Warrior.

The event is limited to the first 50 registrants.

USS Membership Application (must be completed prior to registering for the Viking Games)

Registration is open! Be sure to follow the games on Facebook.

Event information available on the registration link.

 2023 Results

 

20-MILE RUN

52nd Annual Syttende Mai Classic Run

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Run Start Time: 7:00am

The Syttende Mai Classic 20-Mile Run is one of Wisconsin's longest running races. The loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail and Viking Dog Park. The timing chips start with the opening shot, so don't be late!

Top finishers in the male and female categories of the 20-Mile Run receive a wood trunk hand-painted in the Norwegian rosemaling style. 2nd and 3rd place overall finishers receive a large hand painted plate. 1st-place finishers in each category receive a large hand-painted plate. 2nd and 3rd-place finishers in each division receive a custom Syttende Mai Medal.

20-Mile Run Entry Fees and Due Dates

Sept 1-30: $55

Oct 1 - Dec 31: $60

Jan 1 - Apr 21: $70

Apr 22 - May 17: $75

Day-of Registration: $80 (cash accepted)
Registration after April 21 not guaranteed a race shirt

WHAT YOU GET:

  • Official Race Bib

  • Unisex Event T-Shirt

  • Participant Medal

  • Coupon for a free beer, redeemable at Syttende Mai Entertainment Tent

  • Post-Race Food/Snacks

  • Free Digital Race Photos

  • Professional Race Timing With Fast, Accurate Results

  • Fully supported Aid Stations & Course

  • A scenic course of Classic Stoughton! 

Packet Pick-up:

  • Thursday - Capital Fitness (Madison)

    • 15 N Butler St

  • Friday - Mandt Park (Stoughton)

    • 400 Mandt Parkway

    • 3:30 - 5:30pm

  • Saturday - Mandt Park (Stoughton)

    • 6am

  • Registration

For up-to-date race information, Like and Follow us on Facebook!

2024 Finisher Medal


17-MILE WALK

38th Annual Walk

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Start: 7am (all walkers. 20 Mile will start BEFORE the walk)

The Syttende Mai Classic (untimed) 17-mile walk begins at 7:00am on Saturday, May 20th. The loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail and Viking Dog Park.

17-Mile Walk Entry Fees and Due Dates

Sept 1-30: $45

Oct 1 - Dec 31: $50

Jan 1 - Apr 21: $55

Apr 22 - May 17: $60

Day-of Registration: $80 (cash accepted)
Registration after April 21 not guaranteed a race shirt

WHAT YOU GET:

  • Official Race Bib

  • Unisex Event T-Shirt

  • Participant Medal

  • Coupon for a free beer, redeemable at Festival Entertainment Tent

  • Post-Race Food/Snacks

  • Free Digital Race Photos

  • Fully supported Aid Stations & Course

  • A scenic course of Classic Stoughton! 

Packet Pick-up:

For up-to-date race information, Like and Follow us on Facebook!

2024 Finisher Medal


10-MILE RUN

16th Annual Classic Run

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Run Start Time: 7:15 am

The Syttende Mai Classic 10-Mile Run begins at 7:15am. The loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail. The timing chips start with the opening shot, so don't be late!

Top finishers in the male and female categories of the 10-Mile Run receive a large hand painted plate in Norwegian rosemaling style. 2nd and 3rd place overall finishers receive a large hand painted plate. 1st place finishers in each category receive a large hand painted plate. 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each division receive custom Syttende Mai medal.

10-Mile Run Entry Fees and Due Dates

Sept 1-30: $45

Oct 1 - Dec 31: $50

Jan 1 - Apr 21: $60

Apr 22 - May 17: $65

Day-of Registration: $70 (cash accepted)
Registration after April 21 not guaranteed a race shirt

WHAT YOU GET:

  • Official Race Bib

  • Unisex Event T-Shirt

  • Participant Medal

  • Coupon for a free beer, redeemable at Festival Entertainment Tent

  • Post-Race Food/Snacks

  • Free Digital Race Photos

  • Professional Race Timing With Fast, Accurate Results

  • Fully supported Aid Stations & Course

  • A scenic course of Classic Stoughton! 

Packet Pick-up:

  • TBD

REGISTRATION

For up-to-date race information, Like and Follow us on Facebook!

2024 Finisher Medal


2-MILE LIL' RUN

30th Annual 2-Mile Community Run/Walk

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Run Start Time: 7:15am

Join a Syttende Mai tradition by participating in The Lil’ Run! The new route starts in the Business Park and follows the Yahara River trail to downtown, ending in Mandt Park. This 2-mile run/walk is open to all ages. The race is not timed. Strollers and wheelchairs welcome. Off-road trails are included.

WHAT YOU GET:

  • Official Race Bib

  • Event T-Shirt

  • A fun experience for the little ones to test their athletic ability

  • Race-finish photos

Family Four-Pack Promotion: $50.00 for 4-person registration.
(online only and open through April 7!)
ONLINE REGISTRATION

PDF Application - please send payment to Chamber office. 532 E Main St, Stoughton.

*Pre-Race Registration closes Thursday, May 15th, 12:00am 
Day-Of Registration: Signup at Packet Pickup and Race Morning ONLY (Cash or Check only - credit cards will not be accepted for day-of registrations)

Packet pick-up will be at Mandt Park, Friday, May 16th from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.


CANOE THE YAHARA RIVER

47th Annual 3.5-Mile Paddle

Friday, May 17

Canoe Start: 6:30pm SHARP

The Syttende Mai Canoe Route is 3.5-mile going down the Yahara River, with one portage at the Forton Street Bridge in downtown Stoughton ending near Mandt Park on Riverside Drive. The traditional race launch point is 2714 Yahara Rd, 53589.

2024 Application

Online Form and payment

Registrations received after May 1st are not guaranteed a race-day shirt!

For Festival updates, be sure to Like and Follow us on Facebook!