Lace up for an unforgettable trail experience at Pound the Mound, set to challenge runners on May 16, 2026, in the scenic Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, MN. Choose your adventure from three distances: a 10M, 20M, or the ultimate 30M (50K) ultra, all traversing a roughly 10.2 to 10.4-mile loop course. This race promises a captivating journey through expansive tallgrass prairies, past a majestic bison herd, and along the dramatic 100-foot Sioux Quartzite cliff face that gives the park its name. Runners consistently praise the course for its beauty and surprising challenge, featuring a mix of wide, smooth, grass-covered trails and technical, rocky single-track with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain per loop.

As you navigate the diverse terrain, you'll find excellent support with two well-stocked aid stations per loop, ensuring you're never more than four miles from hydration and fuel. Past runners have raved about the aid stations offering not just water and Tailwind, but also unique treats like homemade breakfast burritos and chicken cordon bleu sandwiches. Typical race day conditions in mid-May bring pleasant highs around 71F and lows near 47F, with a minimal 15% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather.

Pound the Mound is more than just a race; it's an immersive experience in the unique natural beauty of Minnesota. Participants receive a distinctive finisher pendant crafted from local Sioux Quartzite, a nod to the park's geological heritage. Dedicated runners can even earn the esteemed "Pound the Mound Stampede-er" distinction by completing 10 loops over multiple race years. With proceeds benefiting the Friends of Blue Mounds State Park, your effort contributes directly to the preservation of this incredible landscape.