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.
I ran this in 2018 as my very first trail race. I was incredibly impressed with the course and have been looking forward to getting back ever since. This year I decided to walk it with my mom.
The Course
This race takes place at Fitzgerald Park in Eaton County, Michigan. Locally, the park is known as “The Ledges” because of the rock formations along the river. This race did not follow this portion of trail but still had pretty views of the park.
The first time I ran the Timber Trail 5k, the course was a loop run and was 100% on the trail. This year, there was no loop and the first mile of the course was on pavement and grass. Not exactly a full trail race.
After mile 1, however, the race was completely on a wooded section of trail. The terrain had a couple of hills and rocks but was relatively easy. It forced us to watch our footing but not enough that it required total focus.
Because the trail was an “out and back” there were some issues with narrow sections. Lead runners were coming back toward the finish while others were still heading out toward the turnaround. This created congested areas where participants were entering the trail at mile 1 and on both hills going up or down.
Goodies
Participants receive a very comfortable (and well-designed, might I add!) long sleeve t-shirt. Each year the design remains the same but the color changes.
Along with overall (male/female) and masters (male/female), very cool wooden medals were given out to the top 3 runners in each age group.
Overall
There’s no doubt that the Timber Trails 5K is a fun race through a beautiful park.
There are some opportunities for improvement though.
Along with the minor course issues, we were also disappointed that while people were still out on the course, volunteers and even the race director, started tearing down their setups at the finish line. It was sad to see.
As an easy, local race, I wouldn’t mind participating in this race next year or even volunteering. For more information, visit Timber Trails 5K Run/Walk.