Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon

Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon

Date: 25 July 2026

Distance: 50 mi

Start/finish: Carlton, MN (Turnaround: Duluth, MN)

Ascent: 5,000 ft

Descent: 5,000 ft

T-shirt deadline: Register before July 4 to guarantee a t-shirt.

Overview

Founded in 1982, the Minnesota Voyageur 50 Mile Trail Ultramarathon is one of the oldest trail ultras in the nation. The race follows a rugged, varied, out-and-back course that takes runners on a journey from Carlton, MN, through Jay Cooke State Park, and heads northeast over difficult, rough woodland trails to Duluth, MN—and back. Enjoy scenic overlooks of Lake Superior and cross the iconic Swinging Bridge over the dalles of the St. Louis River.

Weather Considerations

Weather for the Minnesota Voyageur can be extreme. There have been several years when it was hot and humid—including 2003 when it was brutally hot with 90 percent humidity:

• Hot Conditions: Expect challenging humidity.
• Cool Temperatures: Some years have been in the mid-50’s.
• Wet Weather: Be prepared for rain.
• Snow: Snow is generally not a concern.

New in 2026

The race start/finish has moved to the Carlton Munger Trailhead, which we have long used for the Curnow Marathon:

• New Location: Start/finish at Carlton Munger Trailhead.
• Turnaround Update: Moved further into Fairmount Park.
• Full Distance: Ensures the course runs a full 50 mi.
• Familiar Venue: The venue is well-known from previous events.

For more information, visit the race website.