Our mission at NCTRaces is to raise a charitable donation for our local chapter of the North Country Trail Association. The Brule-St. Croix chapter of the NCTA is responsible for building, improving, and maintaining the North Country Trail in our area. As runners, hikers, and nature enthusiasts this trail is …
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Our mission at NCTRaces is to raise a charitable donation for our local chapter of the North Country Trail Association. The Brule-St. Croix chapter of the NCTA is responsible for building, improving, and maintaining the North Country Trail in our area. As runners, hikers, and nature enthusiasts this trail is essential to in our connection to nature. It is our pleasure to help in any way possible, whether through donations, trail work, volunteering, or enrollment.
The 13.1 Mile course follows the North Country Trail 100% (except for a 50 yard spur to the turnaround Aid Station). This course runs through the Historic Brule Portage and beyond towards the Highland Town Hall and County Rd. S. After moving from the Mississippi River Watershed into the Lake Superior Watershed (Brule River Valley), the course runs across an old logging slash and then into wooded ravines and the beautiful Jersett Creek. Along this section are some incredible Red and White Pine. The course then enters a pine plantation for soft, fast, cool running before turning into the aid station.
The turnaround aid station is before the actual trail head at the Highland Town Hall, so runners will not have access to restrooms, but there will be bushes and biodegradable toilet paper! This is the only aid station on the 13.1 Mile course and does not have access to crew or spectators.
Mystery distance: Did you know that our running ancestors depended on running for survival? They were forced to balance speed and sustainability with unknown distance like we no longer have to. How fast can you run without knowing how far you have to go? Thousands of years ago a hunter could set out in the morning and have to be prepared to run 5 or 50 miles.
This race is a chance to see how you cope with the struggles your ancestors faced every day. The Mystery race will be longer than a half marathon, but shorter than a full marathon. It could be 13.5 miles, 26 miles, or anywhere in between.
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Nature of the north
This is all trail run. I’ve never done a trail run before so nothing to compare it too. However, it was a lot more difficult as a result than a … MORE
This is all trail run. I’ve never done a trail run before so nothing to compare it too. However, it was a lot more difficult as a result than a basic 13.1. This was a slow time for me but given that it was trail maybe not too bad?! I got it third place female. Scenery was great. A friend told me trail runs are so interesting the miles breeze by, and they really did! Staffers were nice. One aid station, but very well stocked. T-shirts were cool. Non-traditional medal but interesting.