NMTC Spring Series
May 1 to June 5, 2024
Schedule

NMTC Spring Series

  • Date: May 1 to June 5, 2024
  • 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.

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

Schedule and race results

7.3 km
Bear Creek
Wed 1 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 1 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:20 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:20
Min pace: 30:50
Start/finish: 46.672789, -92.001880
Results: 20232024
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
Point Pine
Wed 8 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 8 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:38 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:38
Min pace: 37:30
Start/finish: 46.727079, -92.046745
Results: 20232024
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.
16 km
Spirit Mountain
Sun 12 May
Results
10:00 AM
Date/time: Sun 12 May 10:00 AM
Start/finish: 46.714998, -92.214831
Results: 20232024
Parking: Park in the upper Spirit Mountain Parking lot, then walk down the hill in front of the chalet and go right on the service road.
Course description: Spirit Mountain 10 Mile (Manidoo Wajiw) is an out-and-back road run that largely follows the western most section of Skyline Parkway from beneath the upper Spirit Mountain Chalet to Becks Road. The parkway surface is mostly gravel but also has short sections of new and crumbling asphalt. The near middle of the route offers a sweeping view of the St. Louis River estuary and Morgan Park neighborhood from the Bardon’s Peak overlook. This is also the course’s subtle high point. Make sure to save energy for the gradual ascent back to here from the Becks Road turnaround! The parkway is open to vehicle traffic this time of year. Please be mindful on blind turns.
7 km
Billings Drive
Wed 15 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 15 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:38 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:38
Min pace: 36:20
Start/finish: 46.691779, -92.144101
Results: 20232024
Course description: Billings Drive is an out-and-back course on all-weather gravel roads in the Superior Municipal Forest with rolling hills throughout. The road is tree-lined with nearby water. The road to the start may be rough in the Spring. Start/Finish across from parking lot at Billings Dr and 42nd street, near disc golf course in Superior WI.
5.5 km
Woodland Run
Wed 22 May
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 22 May 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:49 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:46
Min pace: 36:20
Start/finish: 46.844861, -92.054553
Results: 20232024
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 29 May
Results
Date/time: Wed 29 May
Results:
Course description: If a previous race is canceled, watch this space for updates.
5.8 km
Chester Bowl
Wed 5 Jun
Results
6:00 PM
Date/time: Wed 5 Jun 6:00 PM
Sunset: 8:59 PM
Time-to-dark: 2:59
Min pace: 48:34
Start/finish: 46.813871, -92.098662
Results: 20232024
Course description: Chester Bowl is run within the 117 acre Chester Park on ski trails and on the Dan Proctor Hiking Trail singletrack, which runs along both sides of Chester Creek. The course is very hilly and technical and is a popular hiking destination. Be sure to say “Hi!” when you cross paths with a hiker!

¡ 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 Chester Park Chalet. 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.

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.

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 Chester Park Chalet. 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: