Course Description
Our race course is a journey through some of Duluth’s most breathtaking landscapes, creating an run that’s as captivating as it is challenging. It all begins at Hawk Ridge, perched high above Lake Superior, where the air is crisp and the views stretch for miles. As you set off on Skyline Parkway, one of Duluth’s most iconic roadways, you’ll wind along the hillside with the lake as your constant companion.
The course then leads you to the descent down Seven Bridges Road, where each turn brings you closer to the sound of rushing water and the sight of the iconic bridges spanning Amity Creek. This is where you’ll "Bridge the Gap," crossing these timeless structures as you transition from the heights of the hillside to the shores of Lake Superior.
From here, the journey continues along the Lakewalk, where the vast expanse of the lake guides you towards downtown Duluth. The energy builds as you approach the finish line, the field of runners and our vibrant community welcoming you with open arms.
The Course
Distance: 10.1 Miles
Course Type: Point to point
Elevation:
Water Stations: Miles 2, 4.5, 6, 8.
Water Stations
All water stations will have water and a TBD electrolyte drink. Volunteers will be there to hand out cups and fill bottles as you come through the station.
Locations:
- Mile 2: Skyline Parkway & Maxwell Road
- Mile 4.5: Brighton Beach - Supported by Ascential Wealth Advisors
- Mile 6: 51st Ave E. & The Lakewalk
- Mile 8: 32nd Ave E. & The Lakewalk
The Race
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Minimum Pace: 18:00 per mile
Finish Cut-off Time: 11:00 AM
Race Capacity: 650
Time Cut-Off: You've Got This!
Finish Strong: Our finish line is open until 11:00 AM, giving you 3 hours to complete your run.
Keep Going: We believe in every runner, no matter the pace. If you fall behind, stick with our cut-off pacers and they'll get you to the finish.
Stay on Track: To reach the finish before 11:00 AM, aim to maintain a pace of 18:00 minutes per mile or faster.
Times to each Water Station (18:00/mi)
- Skyline Parkway (Mile 2): 8:36 AM
- Brighton Beach (Mile 4.5): 9:21 AM
- 51st Ave East (Mile 6): 9:49 AM
- 32nd Ave East (Mile 8): 10:24 AM
Your Race, Your Pace: This is your race, and we're here to cheer you on every step of the way. Push through, stay focused, and know that we're rooting for you to finish strong!
The start of the run begins high on Hawk Ridge overlooking Lake Superior. The shuttle will drop runners off and there is a short 0.2 mile walk from the shuttle drop-off to the start area.
The course begins with a small climb up to the Hawk Ridge Observatory and then winds down the gravel road to the first bridge and aid station at mile 2.
After the first bridge, runners continue down Amity Creek over the remaining six bridges.
Once off of Seven Bridges Road, runners will take a series of turns to reach the mile 4 aid station at the bottom of Amity Creek & Lester River.
Continuing toward Lake Superior once out of the aid station runners will enter the out-and-back section of the course. This section takes runners ~0.50 mile out to Brighton Beach before turning around and heading back to the aid station.
After going through the aid station the second time runners continue onto the Lakewalk and head west through the Superior Street section of the course toward the aid station at Mile 6.
The Lakewalk continues west as runners will cross a couple more creeks before reaching the aid station at mile 8.
A few minutes after the aid station runners will continue along two switchbacks on the Lakewalk, one at the top of a hill near the Holiday station and the other just after that at the bottom of the hill.
The Lakewalk continues along Water Street and just after mile 9 runners are treated to incredible views of Lake Superior, Canal Park, and the iconic Lift Bridge.
The last turn is in Leif Erickson Park and crosses the bridge to finish on London Rd.
