Running Wild Trail Run 2026

Event Details

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. Kid's Run WILD is a 200 yard dash for kids ages 5-7 and WEE RUN WILD is for our youngest runners ages 4 & under!! There is a race for everyone! The 7K terrain includes some uneven ground, lots of mini-hills, a gravel road, moderately challenging hills and the rigorous Ironwood Trail Hill. The 1mile LIFE Hike is an out and back course.

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 more than 9,000 acres of tree-covered hills, including clear lakes nestled in deep valleys, hardwood forests, wild flowers, a variety of wild life and 25 miles of hiking trails. If you are up for a challenge or just want to enjoy nature at its finest; reserve your spot on the starting line today!

Event Schedule

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 on-line 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 at Health Resources Center, 126 E Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 218.736.6050
Race Day: Saturday, June 13, 7:00 – 9:30am at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter at Maplewood State Park

STARTING TIMES:

• 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. All Wee Run WILD participants will receive a finisher ribbon and gift bag. All 7K finishers will receive a unique finisher woodallion as they cross the finish line. Beautiful bottles of Maple Syrup tapped from Maplewood State Park are awarded for top overall male & female 7K. Age division awards are given to the top three male and female 7K participants ONLY in each of the following age categories: ● 9 & under ● 10-13 ● 14-19 ● 20-29 ● 30-39 ● 40-49 ● 50-59 ● 60-65 ● 66+

COURSE MARKINGS:

- all in RED (flags & ribbons) White 12”X18” Signs for Mile Markers. Please use CAUTION: many rocks, tree roots, loose gravel. The finish can be especially problematic as you go from trail to pavement so please use extreme caution. The 7K is a challenging course – pace yourself!

WATER STOPS:

There will be three water stops on the 7K course – near mile 1, 3 & 4. Please utilize the water stops, especially if it is a warm, humid morning. First Aid Kits are also available at each water stop.

FIRST AID:

There will be a First Aid table at the finish line and at Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter. Also, an on-site EMT and an AED will be available.

PARKING:

All Running Wild Participants receive a day park pass as part of your registration fee. Parking is limited, so please ride share if you can. There will be parking attendants to help you park in the most efficient way. Please arrive at Maplewood State Park in plenty of time to park and pick up your packets.

ON THE COURSE:

Headphones are allowed. Strollers & pets are not allowed during the time of the race for the safety of all participants.

RESTROOMS/Changing Rooms:

Portable Toilets – by finish/start line. Restrooms – in building just below the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter.

Miscellaneous:

• There is a "signature mat & frame" that we want all race participants to sign-it will be located at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter.
• Don't forget the Selfie Station!
• bring a sack lunch and swimming gear to enjoy Maplewood State Park for the day

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. www.hrcff.org