While most runners are hitting the pavement this season, there’s a quiet magic happening over at Lake Lansing North. The Spring Trail Trot 5K offers a perfect escape into the woods, just as the first wildflowers begin to peek through the leaf litter. Whether you’re a seasoned trail veteran or a road runner looking for a change of pace, you won’t be disappointed with this race.
This was my third year at the Spring Trail Trot, but it was an entirely new experience. My beagle, Dakota, joined me for his debut 5K! I expected a morning of constant sniffing stops, but he instead ran the entire course. Between chasing participants, and making new friends, he had the time of his life.
The Spring Trail Trot 5K Course
The Spring Trail Trot 5K is a looped course, starting and finishing in a field adjacent to the Lake Lansing North parking lot. The course is almost entirely trail, with just a short stretch of field and pavement at the very end.
Right from the start, the course enters the woods, primarily following the park’s blue loop, one of my personal favorites. We traversed wooded areas and navigated boardwalks (which were a bit slippery in spots) across beautiful wetlands. While this year’s conditions were mostly dry, we did encounter a few minor mud spots and one section where water was on the trail. All part of the fun!
Overall, the course is flat and easily runnable, though there are several exposed roots that require attentive footing. Dakota had no problems navigating anything on the course!
The Goodies
One of my favorite things about the Michigan Trail Experience races is that each race comes with a custom patch.
In addition to the passes, participants in the Spring Trail Trot 5K also receive a t-shirt, a Michigan Trail Experience Pin, and a Spring Trail Trot sticker
Overall male/female winners receive Playmaker’s gift card, two three in age group get a pint glass.
Michigan Trail Experience
The Michigan Trail Experience is a local organization that puts on multiple trail races throughout the year, utilizing the local trails. Along with the Spring Trail Trot 5K, I’ve also participated in the Full Moon 5, Nighthawk 5 and Deer Fly 5.
The races are well organized, and the community that attends them is incredible. I highly recommend their races to anyone who loves trail running or wants to experience trail running.
If you are interested in supporting this local organization, participate in one of their upcoming events.
Overall
I have nothing negative to say about the Spring Trail Trot 5K. It is a great community race that showcases one of my favorite local trails. It is welcoming to everyone, from seasoned runners to beginners to hikers to canicross.
And of course, Dakota had a wonderful time getting all the pets.
Like most of the Michigan Trail Experience races I’ve participated in, this race reminds me of the joy I find in trail running, the peace and tranquillity of the trail, and the amazing community that I get to be a part of.
For more information visit Spring Trail Trot 5K.
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