Running Wild Trail Run 2026

Race Overview

Join us for the FOUREENTH annual Running Wild 7K Trail Run and 1mile LIFE Hike on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Maplewood State Park! Proceeds benefit Health Resources of Fergus Falls.

The Running Wild course navigates through the beautiful, but challenging terrain of northwest Minnesota. There are two race options: a 7K trail run or a 1mile LIFE Hike. Running Wild Trail Run is a family friendly event, featuring:

• Kid's Run WILD: 200 yard dash for kids ages 5-7
• WEE RUN WILD: for our youngest runners ages 4 & under
• Course Terrain: uneven ground, mini-hills, gravel road
• Challenge: Includes the rigorous Ironwood Trail Hill

Location

Running Wild Trail Run is held at Maplewood State Park located seven miles east of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, on State Highway 108 in Otter Tail County.

Maplewood State Park offers:

• Acreage: More than 9,000 acres of tree-covered hills
• Nature: Clear lakes nestled in deep valleys and hardwood forests
• Wildlife: A variety of wildlife and wild flowers
• Trails: 25 miles of hiking trails

Registration & Packet Pick-Up

PACKET PICK-UP:

• Pre-Race: Friday, June 12, 4:00 – 6:00pm at Health Resources Center, 126 E Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 218.736.6050
• Race Day: Saturday, June 13, 7:00 – start of your race at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter at Maplewood State Park

REGISTRATION:

• Pre-Race: Entry forms must be submitted online at active.com by June 11 at 11:59pm. Participants can still register at Packet Pick-up on Friday, June 12, 4:00 – 6:00pm
• Race Day: Saturday, June 13, 7:00 – 9:30am at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter at Maplewood State Park

Event Schedule

• 9:00am: Kid’s Run WILD (ages 5-7) 200 Yard Dash
• 9:05am: Wee Run WILD (ages 4 & under) 200 Yard Dash
• 9:15am: Kid’s AWARDS
• 9:40am: Running WILD 7K Trail Run
• 9:45am: Running WILD 1M LIFE HIKE
• 11:00am: 7K & 1M AWARDS

Awards

All Kid’s Run WILD participants will receive a finisher ribbon and gift bag. The top three boys and top three girls will also receive a fun prize. The awards also include:

• 7K Finishers: Unique finisher woodallion
• Top Male & Female: Beautiful bottles of Maple Syrup tapped from Maplewood State Park
• Age Division Awards: Top three male and female 7K participants in defined age categories
• Age Groups: 9 & under, 10-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-65, 66+

Course Information

• Course Markings: All in RED (flags & ribbons), White 12”X18” signs for mile markers.
• Course Caution: Many rocks, tree roots, loose gravel: particularly cautious transitioning from trail to pavement.
• Water Stops: Three on the 7K course, First Aid Kits available.
• First Aid: A table will be at the finish line and an on-site EMT will be available.

Parking & Miscellaneous

• Parking: All Running Wild Participants receive a day park pass as part of the registration fee.
• Earphones/Pets: Headphones allowed, but strollers & pets are not during the race.
• Restrooms: Portable Toilets near the finish/start line and restrooms below the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter.
• Selfie Station: Don't forget to sign the signature mat located at the shelter and take a photo!

Community Impact

The money we raise goes to further the services to women, children and men of the community through pregnancy testing, first trimester ultrasounds, STI testing & treatment, educational programs, and much more at Health Resources Center. For more information, visit www.hrcff.org.