Embrace the winter chill at the Nippy Niner Trail Run, returning to St. Louis, MO, on January 25, 2026. This popular event offers a challenging and invigorating experience across two distances: a 9-mile (15K) and a 9K (5.6-mile) option. Known for its "nippy" January conditions, with typical race day highs around 41°F and lows near 23°F, runners can expect a true test of grit against the elements. The race is committed to proceeding "regardless of rain, snow, ice, mud, stampeding badgers, wild cougars or extreme nippyness," promising an unforgettable winter trail adventure.

The course, nestled within Spanish Lake County Park, delivers a dynamic blend of terrain designed to keep runners engaged. Both distances kick off with approximately one mile on a paved loop around Spanish Lake before venturing into the park's upper trails. Here, you'll navigate a mix of double track, gravel, and challenging single track trails that wind around Sunflower Lake, offering a more significant elevation gain compared to previous routes. Nine-mile participants will tackle two loops of this scenic off-road section, while 9K runners complete one. A single aid station will be strategically placed, providing hydration as 9-milers pass it three times and 9K runners twice.

Starting with a mass start at 9:00 AM from Spanish Lake County Park, the Nippy Niner Trail Run, organized by Big Shark Bicycle Company, promises a well-supported and memorable race. Those who register before January 15th will receive a super deluxe Nippy Niner embroidered beanie, adding to the race's unique charm. Prepare for a spirited run through diverse winter landscapes and a genuinely "nippy" challenge to kick off your new year.