In 2020, I set off on an adventure to complete my first winter trail run. It was 5 miles through Yankee Springs Recreational Area. It was cold, snowy, and a blast. I’m happy to say I have finally returned to the Winter Trail Fest – West (W.T.F) event and tackled the half marathon. While everything …
Read more “Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side”
When I signed up to participate in the Full Moon 5, I thought it was a great opportunity to get some night-running experience. Little did I know how much fun I was going to have, running on muddy, icy trails in the dark with a bunch of strangers. The sounds of laughter filling the darkness, broken only by an occasional hoot of a Great Horned Owl.
Two days, three races, and a whole lot of hills. The Treetops Trifecta offered everything I could hope for in a trail run, which is why I continue to return to this rugged and challenging race year after year.
I love running in the fall. There is more joy in it for me than any other season. To support that love of the season, I try to squeeze in as many races as possible.
This year I decided to sign up for a Halloween-themed race and that race was the Dansville Halloween 5K.
I chose this race not because the course sounded particularly interesting or because the goodies were enticing (although they were). I chose it because Dansville is my dad’s hometown.
Last year I participated in the Dragons in the Woods 5K trail race at Burchfield Park. The race was cut unexpectedly short by a miscalculation of the course. By over a mile.
Typically I wouldn’t return to a race that is missing that much mileage, especially in a 5K. But because Dragons in the Woods is hosted on one of the trail systems I’m frequently running, I decided to sign up again this year. I’m really glad I did.
The Capital City River Run in downtown Lansing celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The race highlights the beauty of the capital city by following primarily the Lansing River Trail. This was my first time participating and I was excited to be completing it with a friend for his first half marathon.
If running through hardwood forests and prairie grasslands is your thing, the Legend trail run in Sleepy Hollow State Park is a race for you.
Enjoy the Great Scrap 8K (4.97 miles) run on the beautiful and scenic Lansing River Trail in Lansing, Michigan. Get treated with a tasty popsicle at the finish line and explore the incredible ScrapFest sculptures in Old Town.
Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
I signed up for the cowbells but I’ll be back for the community.
This fun and fast 5K takes runners and walkers through downtown Elise, Michigan during the Elise Dairy Festival. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. to beat the summer heat, this fun and energetic race is great for all ages and levels of participants
Ever since my first ultra three years ago, I have been eyeing the Rock River Canyon 50K. This race is described as a race for runners who want to “immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen single track”.
Now that I have completed this race, I can honestly say that is a very accurate description.
Trail Weekend is a well-known race in the area. It takes place in the beautiful Pickney Recreational Area in Pickney, Michigan, and has a little bit of everything for all trail runners. Participants can choose from 4 different distances, each with its own set of challenges.
The Hippity Hop 5K has become an annual tradition for me. This was my fourth year participating. This year was especially challenging as severe flooding made it impossible to follow the typical route, which ended up being a blessing.
Finding a local 5K trail race is quite the feat. Most races in this area stick to the pavement. Dragons in the Woods is one of the few exceptions. It is 100% a trail race and takes place on one of my frequent stomping grounds – Birchfield Park.
The Timber Trails 5K is an example of an iconic fall race. Cool temperatures, wooded trails, and a scenic course through one of Mid-Michigan’s prettiest county parks.
The “world’s most perfect little trail race” began at sunrise.
With the sound of a buzzer, the Hungerford Games Trail Race started. I was happily on my way to completing my first 50-mile ultramarathon.
Every year multiple cities throughout the United States become the host of a Miles for Migraine 5K event. While there are no races being hosted in the cities near me, for the last few years, I have made it a goal to participate in at least one of these events virtually. My Story For the …
With so many 5Ks occurring in the summer months, it is really hard to narrow it down to which ones to participate in. If you’re looking for a quick and easy summer near Lansing, Michigan, I recommend the Run for Fame 5K.
Spend a day getting to know Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, Michigan with the Island Time loop race. Choose between a 24-hour, 12-hour night or day, or 6-hour night or day race option and complete as many 2-mile loops as possible.
Hop on the Lansing River Trail and kick off Easter weekend with a fun-filled Hippity Hop 5K!
Take a run through Island Lake Recreation Area at Trivium’s Winter Trail Fest – East Side. Enjoy a scenic 5 mile or 13.1 mile trail run through one of Michigan’s recreation areas. After participating in the 2020 Winter Trail Fest (WTF) in Yankee Springs, I was excited to hit the trails again with this brand …
It was almost 7 in the morning. I stood on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by 49 other runners. The race director was explaining what to expect on the course. Then, for a brief moment, silence. Ready. Set. Go.
Take a run through Yankee Springs Recreational Area at Trivium Racing’s Winter Trail Fest. Enjoy snow and ice covered trails, pretty scenery and great swag at this fun winter event.
If jumping into freezing cold water in the middle of winter is not your thing, a Polar Bear 5K might be what you are looking for to get outside and enjoy the winter.
Dash through snow and ice with this fast, fun, and unique 5k. Snow decided not to make an appearance this year but there was plenty of fire to make up for it. With hot air balloons kicking off the race, this 5k is one of a kind.
Raising funds for cancer and running? Sign me up! The MSU Relay Turkey Trot 5K, hosted at Michigan State University, was a last minute addition to my fall race roster. It was an easy race for a great cause.