The FROZEN STICK 5 Mile and Half Marathon Trail Run

Prepare for an invigorating winter trail experience at The FROZEN STICK 5 Mile and Half Marathon Trail Run, set to challenge runners on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in scenic Wildwood, MO. This event, organized by Rockinator Racing, continues a 15-year tradition, serving as the grand finale of the popular Stick Season Trail Run Series and offering a unique blend of rugged athletic testing and community celebration. Participants can choose between a challenging 5-mile course and a demanding 13.1-mile half marathon, both starting and finishing at LaSalle Middle School.

The courses weave through the picturesque Bluffview, Rock Hollow, and Zombie singletrack trails, promising varied terrain and undulating climbs that make for a true trail runner's test. While the 5-mile route, known as "The Starting to Freeze," offers a flatter and faster experience with sections of asphalt on the Al Foster Trail and a 1-mile singletrack ascent on the Bluffview Lolipop, the half marathon is touted as "a BEAST" with significant climbs up Bluff View and Rock Hollow, before a descent down East Zombie. Half marathoners will complete two loops, passing through aid stations twice for support. Typical race day conditions in late February present highs around 50°F and lows near 29°F, with an 11% chance of precipitation, making for a brisk but often runnable winter day.

What truly sets The FROZEN STICK apart is its comprehensive runner experience. Beyond the well-marked and chip-timed courses, participants can expect a warm racers' village inside LaSalle Middle School at the finish line, complete with podiums, awards for overall and age group winners, finisher medals, music, snacks, and even pizza. Every runner receives a signature Rockinator Racing Neck Buff, and free downloadable photos capture your frosty adventure. Plus, with free on-course tracking available via the RaceJoy app, friends and family can follow your progress in real-time. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply embracing the joy of winter trail running, this race promises a memorable challenge and a vibrant community atmosphere.