NMTC Spring Series
April to June, 2026
Schedule

NMTC Spring Series

  • Date: April to June, 2026
  • Distance: 5 to 16 km

The Spring Series consists of six short-distance races on a mix of surfaces—from creekside paths to gravel roads to sandy stretches along Lake Superior. Races are held across the Twin Ports—most on Wednesday evenings and one on a Sunday morning. The final race is followed by a potluck and prizes for all.

(!) New in 2026:

  • The Spirit Mountain course is now a loop, with parking at the Grand Ave Chalet and the start partway up the ski hill. See course description below for more detail.
  • We are reintroducing Waabizheshikana to the series schedule after more than a decade, following a significant renovation and expansion of the trail.
  • We are introducing Cloquet Forestry Center as our series finale and potluck. Chester Bowl will return next year following the construction of the new chalet.

New in 2026, park near the Grand Ave Chalet 8551 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55808. To reach the start line, hike 500 m uphill to the cat track; turn left and jog 250 m to the start line; you are now warmed up and ready to race. Course description: Spirit Mountain (Manidoo Wajiw) is a point-to-point road and rails-to-trails run. The 2026 edition introduced a new course, which follows the westernmost section of Skyline Parkway (gravel and asphalt) and returns on the DWP (gravel), finishing near Grand Ave Chalet.

Entry is absolutely free. We welcome donations online or at the race start.

Schedule and race results

7.3 km
Bear Creek
Wed 29 Apr
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 29 Apr 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:20 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:20
Min pace: 30:50
Start/finish: 46.672789, -92.001880
Results: 202320242025
Course description: Bear Creek (Makwa Ziibiins) is a non-technical out-and-back course that connects the paved Osaugie Trail at Bear Creek Park to Wisconsin Point Road. The trail surface is raised and packed gravel path (well-drained) that winds and dips through young aspen, balsam poplar, and birch forest. There are an impressive 34 numbered bridges or boardwalks that you can use to track your progress on the course. Midway there is an overlook that provides a view west over the outer St. Louis River estuary and Superior port. This is a fast, non-technical course and perfect Spring Series opener.
6.5 km
Waabizheshikana
Wed 6 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 6 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:38 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:38
Min pace: 36:20
Start/finish: 46.69285, -92.20562
Results: 2025
Parking: Blackmer Park 8301 Beverly St, Duluth, MN 55808
Course description: Waabizheshikana takes runners along the western waterfront of the St. Louis River estuary. The loopy out-and-back course starts and finishes at Blackmer Park. Racers head south on the mostly crushed stone path, u-turn, and run with water to the left and right toward the end of a narrow spit before looping back to the start.
16 km
Spirit Mountain
Sun 10 May
Results
10:00 AM
Date/time: Sun 10 May 10:00 AM
Start/finish: 46.71529, -92.2055
Results: 202320242025
Parking: New in 2026, park near the Grand Ave Chalet 8551 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55808. To reach the start line, hike 500 m uphill to the cat track; turn left and jog 250 m to the start line; you are now warmed up and ready to race.
Course description: Spirit Mountain (Manidoo Wajiw) is a point-to-point road and rails-to-trails run. The 2026 edition introduced a new course, which follows the westernmost section of Skyline Parkway (gravel and asphalt) and returns on the DWP (gravel), finishing near Grand Ave Chalet.
6.5 km
Point Pine
Wed 13 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 13 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:38 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:38
Min pace: 37:30
Start/finish: 46.727079, -92.046745
Results: 202320242025
Course description: Point Pine (Neyaashi) is a lollipop course with a long out-and-back section that passes through Pine Point Scientific Natural Area, a remnant of old-growth coastal red and white pine forest. The route offers beautiful views of the outer St. Louis River estuary and Lake Superior. The trail is mostly flat and well drained with a mix of packed gravel, packed earth and short sections with loose sand. The outermost loop portion of the course passes by the brick ruins of the Minnesota Point Light, a navigational aid constructed in 1858. It is the oldest brick structure in Duluth. This is a fast, non-technical course but get ready for some sand in your shoes.
5.5 km
Woodland Run
Wed 20 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 20 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:49 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:46
Min pace: 36:20
Start/finish: 46.844861, -92.054553
Results: 202320242025
Course description: The Woodland course is on singletrack with a small portion of road. It is a loop course with some hilly sections. Starting out at the Morningside Gravel pit on Jean Duluth Road, run this 5.5k course through the surrounding woods and neighborhood. Enjoy a mix of rolling slopes, and small hills to climb on this rarely flat singletrack loop using a mix of trails in the area.
0 km
Rain date
Wed 27 May
Results
Date/time: Wed 27 May
Results:
Course description: If a previous race is canceled, watch this space for updates.
6.5 km
Cloquet Forestry Center
Wed 3 Jun
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 3 Jun 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:59 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:59
Min pace: 48:34
Start/finish: 46.7049, -92.52591
Results: 2025
Course description: Traverse the internal forest roads and trails of the University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center, within the boundaries of the Fond du Lac Reservation. The race course traverses flat to gently rolling terrain, with mixed surfaces including mowed path, old logging railroad grades, and sandy gravel two-track road. Expect a diverse mix of managed forest conditions and occasional glimpses of wet meadows along Otter Creek.

¡ NOTE ! Routes and distances displayed above reflect typical courses, which change based on trail conditions and the whims of the race directors. Runners don't find out the exact route until the prerace briefing — all part of the fun.

Overall standings

Women
Men
Nonbinary

Fun events and competitive racing

Run your race: We believe everyone can find exactly as much competition as they’re looking for. NMTC events offer a chance to test yourself against many of the area’s fastest trail runners or enjoy a fun run with friends—or both!—it’s entirely up to you.

Overall series standings: Runners are awarded points based on the order in which they finish. To see historical results, click on the race name, then click on the year. We update overall standings after each race.

Series finale potluck and prizes: At the final race, join us for awards and a potluck at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Bring a dish! Everyone who runs or volunteers at any Series race receives a prize. Prizes are generously donated by individuals and local businesses.

Everyone is welcome: All ages and experience levels are welcome and well represented at our running events. The vibe is something akin to a neighborhood barbecue—a community gathering to meet old friends and make new ones. Come join a bunch of folks who like to play in the woods!

Registration

Races are free. We do have a donation jar at each race and an online donation option, with all contributions dedicated directly toward the continued viability of the NMTC race series, the Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon, and the Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon.

Check in at the starting line of each race. If you arrive about an hour before the race start, look for the person sitting at a folding table with a laptop. And if you arrive a little closer to race time, look for the line of people near the folding table and laptop!

NMTC requires all runners to complete a waiver once per year. Waiver forms are provided at the check-in table at all races—or you can download, print, and sign the waiver in advance:

Download waiver

Details

Trail markings: Follow the hot orange pin flags with “NMTC” on them. If you don’t see one after 0.1 miles or so, you are off course! Turns are marked with a series of pin flags a few feet apart on the side to which you’ll be turning—for example, a right-hand turn marked with three pin flags on the runner’s right hand side. For more, see course marking.

Runner safety: Unlike the Curnow Marathon and Voyageur 50, Spring Series races have *zero* road crossings. As always, many of our race courses feature rugged woodland singletrack with roots, rocks, and other potential hazards. Watch footing on the bridges; they can be slippery, especially when wet, and some may have boards missing.

Rainout/cancellation policy: Check the NMTC Facebook page for the latest information. If we cancel a race, we announce the cancellation on Facebook by noon on race day.

Cupless: NMTC races are cup-free races. We supply water at the start/finish line of every race, but you must bring your own cup.

Photos: Photos are often uploaded to the NMTC Facebook page.

Volunteer opportunities

Not running? Volunteer instead! You’ll earn points toward the Spring Series overall standings and stay eligible for the Ella Fennessey Award.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact us in advance or show up between 5:30 and 6:00 pm on race day. We’ll find a job for everyone!

Potluck & prizes

Join us after the final race for the potluck at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Everyone who runs or volunteers in support of at least one Spring Series race earns a prize. Prizes are generously donated by individuals and local businesses, including: