Embark on a challenging and rewarding journey at the Oxbow 50k, a premier trail running ultra set within the breathtaking landscapes of Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Manitoba, Canada, on May 2, 2026. This intimate event, capped at just 100 participants, offers both a formidable 50K and an equally engaging 15K distance, promising a memorable experience on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene Peoples, and the Metis Nation.

The Oxbow 50k course is renowned for its relentlessly up-and-down nature, traversing 95% un-paved sections of the Trans-Canada, Epinette, and Yellowquill Trails. Don't be fooled by the lack of massive elevation gains; runners consistently describe it as "deceptively hard" with constant rolling hills that offer little flat respite. The 50k route guides participants from the Epinette Trailhead (the start/finish and main aid station) through a loop to Cabin 3, before heading south on the Trans-Canada and Yellowquill Trails, completing a second loop of the Yellowquill section. Supported aid stations are strategically placed throughout the course, including one on the Yellowquill section that runners will pass twice, though participants should be prepared to carry their own supplies as it's a cup-free race. Typical race day conditions have been noted to be pleasantly varied, from sunny and warm with light winds to partly cloudy and cooler, providing excellent running weather.

What truly sets the Oxbow 50k apart is its tight-knit community feel and exceptional organization. Runners consistently praise Race Director Joel Toews for a well-executed event, fostering an atmosphere where many participants know each other. Expect a sense of camaraderie that makes the "deceptively hard" miles fly by. All participants receive an Oxbow 15/50 Patch, with 50k finishers also earning a locally printed T-shirt and a post-race meal, providing a well-deserved reward for conquering the challenging trails of Spruce Woods Provincial Park.