Reggie Oeltjen Douglas Trail 11-Mile Race

Welcome to the 2026 Reggie Oeltjin Douglas Trail 11 Mile Race! This is the 50th Anniversary of this event, and we're excited for you to toe the line.

This 11-mile race takes place on the Douglas Trail, an asphalt rail-trail system that extends from Northwest Rochester to Pine Island. Participants meet in Douglas to race through a canopy of trees that shade the trail most of the way. Runners are treated to a race gift, post-race refreshments, and delicious, hydrating watermelon.

The first Douglas Trail Race took place in 1976. The race was renamed in 2017 to honor Reggie Oeltjen, a longtime member and volunteer of the Rochester Running Club. Reggie’s dream was to run border to border across Minnesota, from South Dakota to Wisconsin, at age 65. He passed away peacefully in his sleep midway through his journey.

We will host packet pickup near the start of the race from 6:30-7:45am on Raceday morning. Be prepared for any weather, although I almost guarantee a beautiful, seasonally cool morning with the sounds of happy, chirping birds... 😀