Lace up your trail shoes for the Run Wild in Maplewood, a challenging and scenic event set for Saturday, June 13, 2026, in the breathtaking Maplewood State Park, just seven miles east of Pelican Rapids, MN. This fourteenth annual race offers two primary distances: a demanding 7K trail run and a more relaxed 1-mile LIFE Hike, ensuring an option for every adventurer. Runners can expect typical race day conditions with highs around 78°F and lows near 56°F, alongside a 17% chance of precipitation, making the three strategically placed water stops on the 7K course a welcome sight.
The 7K course promises a truly wild experience, winding through the beautiful, yet challenging, terrain of northwest Minnesota. Prepare for uneven ground, numerous mini-hills, a stretch of gravel road, and the rigorous ascent of the Ironwood Trail Hill. While mostly dirt trail, runners should be mindful of rocks, tree roots, and loose gravel, with a cautious transition from trail to pavement at the finish line. The park's 9,000 acres offer stunning scenery, encompassing tree-covered hills, clear lakes, hardwood forests, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, making for an immersive natural escape. The 1-mile LIFE Hike provides an out-and-back route, perfect for those seeking a gentler exploration of the park's beauty.
More than just a race, Run Wild in Maplewood is a family-friendly event, complete with Kid's Run WILD and WEE RUN WILD dashes for the youngest participants. The start and finish lines are conveniently located at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter, where participants will find first aid facilities with on-site EMTs and AEDs. All 7K finishers receive a unique "woodallion," while top overall male and female 7K runners are awarded bottles of locally tapped Maplewood State Park maple syrup, adding a distinctive local flair. Every registration includes a day park pass, inviting runners to linger and enjoy the serene beauty of Maplewood State Park long after crossing the finish line.
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