Why the Maple Syrup Fun Run? Hundreds of years ago, American Indians started making maple syrup or sugar which has become a long-standing tradition in Minnesota. In late winter/early spring when the temperatures get above 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and below 32 at night for a week or …
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Why the Maple Syrup Fun Run? Hundreds of years ago, American Indians started making maple syrup or sugar which has become a long-standing tradition in Minnesota. In late winter/early spring when the temperatures get above 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and below 32 at night for a week or longer, sap starts to move in maple trees. When crows and bald eagles started to return, Ojibwe Indians knew it was time to move to the sugar bush. They would make tools out of birch bark, willow, and clay in order to collect sap and boil it. Many times they would boil sap until only maple sugar was left. This made it easier to transport and trade.
Today, River Bend Nature Center continues this tradition with the large sugar bush along racoon trail all the way to the Straight River. By May, the sap is cooked, bottled, and ready to be sold!
Race Details
The race routes will have 3 course marshals and 4 water stations through out the course. We will have an athletic trainer available at the start/finish line and an ambulance on standby for additional support.
Race registration includes a t-shirt and admission to the pancake breakfast.
T-shirts are unisex, adult sizes, and only guaranteed to runners who pre-register by 4 pm on April 18. Some t-shirts will be available first come first served on race day.
Your registration fee supports environmental education, outdoor recreation, and natural resource conservation. River Bend is a 501(c)(3) non-profit nature center that relies on donations, memberships, and fundraising events. Thank you!
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