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 looked a bit less snowy with the 50-degree weather, I still had a blast.
W.T.F Course
The Winter Trail Fest course is a looped course constantly primarily of trail. There are two distances that participants can sign up for; the half marathon and the 5-mile. Both races begin at Deep Lake Rustic Campground in Yankee Springs Recreation Area, but the half starts 30 minutes before the 5, avoiding the common bottle-necking effect that seems to happen at most trail races.
To help avoid the conga line issue even further, the course followed a wide, dirt road for the first mile or so. This allowed runners to spread out and really get settled into their pace.
The course overall isn’t very technical. There were a few rocks and roots but I’ve been on a much rougher trail. There were two difficult, steep, hill climbs but nothing extremely challenging.
The best part, of course, is the creek crossing at mile 12.6. Typically it is cold and uncomfortable. This year, however, due to the warm temperatures, the creek brought relief to many of us who haven’t had the opportunity to adjust to the heat. It was quite pleasant.
Because of the mild weather this year, several course records were broken, including overall.
The Swag
When you sign up for Winter Trail Fest, you have the option of signing up just for the race, no swag included, for a cheaper price.
If you choose to sign up for the swag, you get a hooded sweatshirt and a finisher’s medal. I LOVE the hooded sweatshirts. They are soft, warm, and last for a long time (at least 4 years so far). The finisher medals are pretty cool in that they are magnet and connect to the Summer Ultra Trail Fest medal that occurs at Sleepy Hollow State Park in June.
The top 3 finishers in their age group receive the coveted W.T.F winter hat. I didn’t get one this year but have at least 2 from previous years. They too are warm and comfortable.
Overall
I have now participated in both W.T.F – East and W.T.F – West. Both events are a blast but West is my personal favorite. The course is more challenging and beautiful, the overall race is organized better, and there is a creek crossing.
Whichever location you choose or distance you select, there’s one thing that is certain. You won’t be disappointed.
Special thank you to the volunteers and photographers who came out to this event. It wouldn’t be the same without you!
For more information, visit Winter Trail Fest Westside.