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Trail Running in Minnesota

Minnesota has 14 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Annandale leads with 2 races, followed by Duluth (2), Minneapolis (2), and East Central (1). The remaining 50% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.

Showing all 14

Trail Running

Happy Hour Trail Run | MTRC x MNBRS

East Central, MN

Trail Running

Happy Hour Trail Run | MTRC x MNBRS

July 29, 2026
East Central, MN
2026 Fisherman's Picnic Trail Run
Trail Running

2026 Fisherman's Picnic Trail Run

August 1, 2026
Grand Marais, MN

Trail Running

Eddy Trail Races

Annandale, MN

Trail Running

Eddy Trail Races

August 1, 2026
Annandale, MN
Summit North Trail Runs
Trail Running

Summit North Trail Runs

August 7, 2026
Duluth, MN
Eddy Trail Races
Trail Running

Eddy Trail Races

August 8, 2026
Annandale, MN
Mount Roseau Trail Run!
Trail Running

Mount Roseau Trail Run!

August 8, 2026
Roseau, MN
Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride
Trail Running

Birchleggings Club Third Annual Dakota Trail Bicycle Ride

August 13, 2026
Lester Praire, MN

Trail Running

Summit North Trail Runs

Duluth, MN

Trail Running

Summit North Trail Runs

August 15, 2026
Duluth, MN
Grow Wild Trail Run
Trail Running

Grow Wild Trail Run

August 22, 2026
Brainerd, MN
Ravine Trail Run 5k / 10K
Trail Running

Ravine Trail Run 5k / 10K

September 5, 2026
Cottage Grove, MN
Loppet Field Day and Trail Loppet
Trail Running

Loppet Field Day and Trail Loppet

September 19, 2026
Minneapolis, MN
Sasquatch Trail Run + Last One Standing
Trail Running

Sasquatch Trail Run + Last One Standing

September 26, 2026
Detroit Lakes, MN
Swedish Mile Trail Run 2026
Trail Running

Swedish Mile Trail Run 2026

October 10, 2026
Mora, MN
Turkey Day Trail Trot
Trail Running

Turkey Day Trail Trot

November 26, 2026
Saint Paul, MN

Trail Running in Nearby States

Frequently asked questions

What is trail running?
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.