Welcome to the Summit North Trail Runs. This is the best of trail running in the Midwest, where rugged terrain meets vibrant community. Held on the iconic trails of West Duluth, we're creating an unforgettable running experience on iconic trails with rad people.
With crafted courses by local shredders, you’ll navigate rugged climbs and winding forest singletrack, including the legendary plunge through Ely’s Tunnel (in the Forest Track). Choose from four race distances: The Creeks ~8 Mile, Forest Track Heavy Half and Mountain Lap 5K. Start the weekend off with a test in the Hill Climb-Descent on Friday Night. Each race designed to challenge and inspire.
Registration Opens February 1, 2026
Forest Track Heavy Half Marathon
Mountain Lap 5K
85 spots left. Registration Opens February 1, 2026 at 12:00am CST
The Creeks 8-Mile
Hill Climb & Descent
Kids Trail Run
40 spots left. Registration Opens February 1, 2026 at 12:00am CST
Duluth Running Co. & the Summit North Trail Runs are committed to providing universal access to all of our events. Please contact Eric Borer [eric@duluthrunning.com, 218.728-1148 x2] to request disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Sign up Opens February 1, 2026. Sign up is online through this site only. There is no in-person or paper registration.
All runners get a chip timed bib, finisher award and access to premium apparel that we work hard to make sure is designed well and made to last. You will also be entered into our prize drawing for shoes, gear, and more!
Race Prices
Feb. 1 - June 30: $35 (5K), $52 (8M), $63 (HH)
July 1 - Aug. 14: $45(5K), $60 (8M), $68 (HH)
Friday, August 14
Hill Climb Start: 7:15 PM
Saturday, August 15
Race Start Times
- Heavy Half - 7:30 AM
- 8 Mile - 7:45 AM
- 5K - 8:30 AM
- Kids Trail Run - TBD
Awards & Prize Raffle - All Races: TBD
Friday, August 14
Bib Pick Up: 5:00 to 7:00 PM @ Spirit Mountain, Grand Avenue Chalet
Saturday, August 15
Bib Pick Up: 6:30 - 8:15 AM @ Spirit Mountain, Grand Avenue Chalet
All runners will get their results within a few minutes of their finish. Each race bib has an individual QR code that link runners directly to their individual result.
All bibs have a pull tag for our prize drawing. Runners must be present to win. Be sure to stick around for the drawing and make sure to turn in your bib tag prior to the drawing.
Sign Up
February 1 2026
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN
Our Rules
Be kind. This is an easy one.
Challenge yourself. This is a hard one.
Bring your own cup- this a cupless race.
All genders on the start line. Stay on course. Protect the trails and the land.
Stick around and cheer on someone you don't know.
Say thank you-volunteers and race staff work hard too.
If you would like to see all our policies, rules, etiquette and FAQs - Click Here
Trail Sisters Approved Standards were created to support, enhance, and equalize women’s experience in trail racing. These standards are a collaboration with runners and race directors as a course of action to provide women the race day experience they deserve.
By implementing these standards we are commited to a welcoming experience for women. This will help to increase women’s participation in trail (and ultra) events as well as provide awareness of the needs, expectations, and support, female runners’ desire. This program is a win for everyone.
Trail Sisters Approved Standards
- Equal Podiums & Awards
- Women’s Specific Apparel & Swag
- Menstrual Products at Aid Stations
- Women On the Starting Line
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy
Cupless Racing & Sustainable Events
Unnecessary waste and trash is something we are working to eliminate at our events. As an organization dedicated to maintaining a clean race and doing our part to keep our trails beautiful and pristine, we will continue to be cupless.
Aid stations will be fully staffed and stocked to keep runners fueled and hydrated, however, runners will have to carry their own cups and bottles in order to drink.
Thank you for joining us and HydraPak in the effort to reduce single use waste by pledging to run a cupless race.
2+ million trees are cut down each year to produce single use paper cups
2.3 million cups were used in the 2022 Chicago Marathon.
Weather & Terrain
Our weather is usually a nice change from most midwestern summer conditions. The average high temperature is in the mid-70s, with the average low around 60 degrees. We can get some hotter temps too. Best thing to do is watch the forecast and prepare for warmer weather.
Our courses utilize a bunch of great trails with varying surfaces from smooth gravel to gnarly singletrack. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) sections of each course are the most technical with rocks, slippery roots, and steep climbs and descents. The Forest Track has the most technical terrain on the ascent of Ely's Peak where runners routinely use their hands to scramble over boulders on the steepest sections.
To prepare for technical terrain, find some gnarly singletrack in your area, get on the SHT before the races, or plan to move a little slower than usual if you do not have technical trails to run and train on.
WARNING: The City of Duluth permits the event and while we do not anticipate cancellation due to inclement weather, there is a remote possibility of route change or cancellation of the races up to the minutes prior to the start of the races. We do everything in our power to ensure a safe event that preserves the trails that we use. The City of Duluth is an amazing partner and the last thing they want to do is cancel an event. Just know that it's a possiblity if safety or trail conditions are compromised.
