Wild Duluth Races Info
WHEN: Saturday October 19, 2024
100K start time: 6:00 a.m.
50K start time: 8:00 a.m.
Sunday October 20, 2024
Terribly Tough 10K start time: 9:30 a.m.
Harder’n Heck Half Marathon start time: 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Saturday October 19:
100K race begins and ends at Bayfront Festival Park in downtown Duluth, MN
Directions to Bayfront Park:
From I-35 take exit 256B for Lake Ave/5th Ave W. Turn RIGHT at S 5th Ave W (signs for Harbor Drive). Slight RIGHT onto ramp to W Railroad St. Turn LEFT into large dirt parking lot in front of Bayfront Park. You will see Bayfront Park from the Interstate.
50K race begins at Oldenburg Point in Jay Cooke State Park and ends at Bayfront Park in downtown Duluth.
We will have bus transportation for 50K runners to the starting line at Oldenburg Point. Transportation to the starting line at Oldenburg Point will leave promptly from the Bayfront Park parking lot at 7:00 a.m. Park in large gravel parking lot at Bayfront Park to board bus. Parking should be plentiful.
100K and 50K runners and crews, please be aware that you will need park passes when traveling/stopping in Jay Cooke State Park (Oldenburg Point). Be sure you have day passes or season passes while in the park or you may be ticketed. Also, be aware that this may be a busy weekend and you will see other park visitors while on your run. Be respectful and courteous and share the trail with other visitors.
Directions to Oldenburg Point:
From the South:
Take I-35 to MN-210 E at exit 235. Turn right onto MN-210. Follow MN-210 E/E Hwy 210 to your destination. Turn right into Oldenburg Point picnic area.
From the North:
Take I-35 South to Esko exit 242. Take Left onto Thompson road and follow Thompson road into Thompson, MN. Take Left on Hwy-210 and follow Hwy-210 to your destination. Turn right into Oldenburg Point picnic area.
Sunday October 20:
Harder’n Heck Half Marathon starts at Chambers Grove Park in the Fond du Lac neighborhood and ends at the Grand Avenue Chalet, Spirit Mountain Recreation Area. We will have bus transportation from the Grand Avenue Chalet parking lot at the base of Spirit Mountain to the starting line at Chambers Grove for the Harder 'n Heck Half Marathon. The bus will leave the Grand Avenue Chalet parking lot promptly at 9:30 a.m. Park in gravel parking lot at Grand Avenue Chalet for bus boarding.
Directions to Chambers Grove Park:
From I-35 going south, use the left lane to take exit 251B for MN-23 S/Grand Ave. Exit right at exit 251B if going north on I-35.
Continue onto MN-23 W/Grand Ave. Continue to follow MN-23 W 9.0 mi to Fond du Lac neighborhood.
Turn right into park just past E Hwy 210/Oldenberg Pkwy junction.
Terribly Tough 10K starts at Munger Trail Trailhead and ends at the Grand Avenue Chalet, Spirit Mountain Recreation Area. We will have bus transportation from the Grand Avenue Chalet to the starting line at Munger Trail Trailhead for the Terribly Tough 10K. The bus will leave the Grand Avenue Chalet parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m. Park in gravel parking lot at Grand Avenue Chalet for bus boarding.
Directions to Munger Trail Trailhead:
From I-35 going south, use the left lane to take exit 251B for MN-23 S/Grand Ave. Exit right at exit 251B if going north on I-35. Continue onto MN-23 W/Grand Ave. Continue to follow MN-23 W 4.9 mi. Turn right onto Becks Rd and follow 1.7 mi. Turn right onto 123rd Ave W
Harder 'n Heck and Terribly Tough finish line at lower Spirit Mountain Grand Avenue Chalet:
FEES:
100K – $110.00 by September 17, 2024 – $125.00 After September 17 to October 14 (200 runner limit)
50K – $90.00 by September 17, 2024 – $105.00 After September 17 to October 14 (350 runner limit)
Half Marathon – $80.00 by September 17, 2024 – $95.00 After September 17 to October 14 (350 RUNNER LIMIT)
10K - $40 by September 17, 2024 - $55 After September 17 to October 14 (200 RUNNER LIMIT)
No race day registration. Registration cutoff is Monday October 14.
Race registration fees are not refundable. Please consider this prior to registering. Bibs are non-transferrable. You may request a change in race distance up to registration cutoff.
CUTOFFS: Runners will have until 12:00 a.m. midnight on Sunday October 20 to finish 100K and 50K.
18 hours for the 100K.
There will be a 9 hour cutoff at the 31 mile turn-around at Oldenburg Point for the 100K. 100K runners will have to arrive at Oldenburg Point by 3:00 p.m. in order to continue.
Intermediate cutoffs are:
Runners must arrive at Munger Trail Aid Station at mile 40.5 by 6:10 p.m. in order to continue.
Runners must arrive at Magney Snively Aid Station at mile 46.3 by 7:30 p.m. in order to continue.
Runners must arrive at Highland/Getchell Aid Station at mile 53.2 by 9:30 p.m. in order to continue.
Runners must arrive at N 24th Ave Aid Station at mile 57.1 by 11:05 p.m. in order to continue.
In the 100K, Pacers may be picked up at the Munger Trail TH Aid Station at mile 40.5. You may use multiple pacers, but only one pacer at a time.
AID STATIONS/DROP BAGS: Aid Stations will be between 2.0 and 5.5 miles apart. Spirit Mountain is an unmanned water only aid station. Crews are allowed to meet their runners at Spirit Mountain. Standard ultra food and beverages will be available at all aid stations. Crew members may only provide aid to runners at designated aid stations. Limited parking will be available at aid stations. NO CREW ACCESS AT GRAND PORTAGE AID STATION.
Harder 'n Heck and Terribly Tough 10K Aid Stations:
Parking is very limited at N. 24th St. W, Highland/Getchell Rd, and Munger Trail. Crews should consider avoiding these aid stations. Spirit Mountain aid station is WATER ONLY. However, since it is an aid station, crews may meet their runner if they choose at the base of Spirit Mountain near the water stop. Runners can receive aid from their crews at Spirit Mountain. GRAND PORTAGE AID STATION is CLOSED to crew access. Runners whose crews go to the Grand Portage Aid Station are subject to disqualification from the race.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO AID STATIONS - COURSE GUIDE FOR CREWS
COURSE MARKING: The course will be marked well at all intersections. There are several intersections and road crossings on this course. The trail will be marked with pink flagging and pink pin flags and we will have flagging with reflective tape for the night sections. Trail markers will be PIN FLAGS and CLIPS pinned to trees, bushes, posts, etc. Flagging will be PINK and REFLECTIVE tape.
Starting at Oldenburg Point, all but the short spur trail from the picnic area to the Superior Hiking Trail will be on the SHT. From Oldenburg Point STAY ON the SHT. Unlike the popular Voyageur 50 route, Wild Duluth stays on the SHT/Greeley Trail where it goes into the woods and parallels the paved Willard Munger Trail. DO NOT RUN ENTIRELY ON THE PAVED MUNGER TRAIL HERE. Follow the markers and blazes of the SHT.
The Superior Hiking Trail is very well marked with blue blazes and trail signs (do not follow white blazes, these are for spur trails). The only time the 50K/100K route deviates from the main Superior Hiking Trail is the short spur up to the Magney-Snively aid station. There are arrows at many intersections as well. If you’re paying attention when you’re on the Superior Hiking Trail it will be VERY difficult to get lost. Pay attention to the blue blazes on trees and the Superior Hiking Trail markers. While we do flag the trail, you really shouldn't need the pink flagging as the blue blazes and markers will show you the way more than adequately. When in doubt between a pink flag and Superior Hiking Trail marker, follow the Superior Hiking Trail marker.
It’s also critical that you pay attention and are very careful at all road intersections. Vehicles have the right of way at all times. We will try to have run officials at the busiest road intersections.
CHECK IN: Packet pickup for ALL races including Sunday's half marathon and 10K will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday October 18. BAYFRONT FESTIVAL PARK downtown Duluth, MN. If you cannot make the packet pick up on Friday night, you can pick up your packet at the starting line on Saturday morning before your race.
Half marathon and 10K runners may also pick up their packets on SATURDAY October 19 at BAYFRONT FESTIVAL PARK from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Half marathon and 10K runners wanting to pick up their packet prior to the race on SUNDAY morning must pick up their race packet at the starting line of either race (Chambers Grove Park for the Half Marathon and Munger Trail Parking Lot for the 10K).
Late registrants will have no guarantee of finishers award or shirt the day of the race.
Race course briefing will occur 10 minutes before each race. Arrive at the start line early for the briefing. Races will start on time.
VOLUNTEER DISCOUNT: Half Marathon or 10K runners who elect to volunteer at least 4 hours on Saturday will receive a discount on their entry into the Half Marathon or 10K. 100K and 50K runners who volunteer for the Half Marathon and 10K on Sunday will receive a discount on their 100K or 50K entry. Please contact us to let us know you are racing and volunteering on the opposite day to receive your discount code. You will also receive a volunteer discount for the following year's races if you volunteer in the current year.
MEDICAL AND EMERGENCIES: For emergencies dial 911. While Wild Duluth Races will have medical support on-site and communications between aid stations utilizing HAM Radio support, our races cover a large area and our crew cannot be everywhere at once. Additionally our teams primary goal is to provide communications and help with minor issues – we will rely on local emergency services for any major medical incident. For local medical needs and care please visit:
Duluth Medical Facilities:
St. Luke's Denfeld Medical Clinic, 4614 Mike Colalillo Dr, Duluth, MN 55807 - (218) 786-8364
Essentia Health West Duluth Clinic, 4212 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807 - (218) 786-3500
Essentia Health, St. Mary's Medical Center, 402 E 2nd St, Duluth, MN 55805 - (218) 786-4000
St. Luke's Hospital, 915 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805 - (218) 249-5555
Duluth Family Medicine Clinic, 330 N 8th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55805 - (218) 723-1112
AWARDS: Overall awards to the men's and women's champions in the 100k, 50k, Half Marathon and 10K.
Age group awards to the men's and women's division winners for the 50k and 100k in the following divisions:
29 and under
30-39 Open
40-49 Masters
50-59 Super Masters
60-69 Grand Masters
70+ Grand Old Masters
All finishers in the 100k will receive a custom designed hooded sweatshirt.
50k finishers will receive a custom designed long sleeve t-shirt, technical shirt or creweneck sweatshirt.
Half Marathon finishers will receive a long sleeve shirt.
10K finishers will received a short sleeve shirt.
Awards for men's and women's division winners in the Half Marathon and 10K are as follows:
29 and under
Open Division (30-39)
Masters (40-49)
Super Masters (50-59)
Grand Masters (60-69)
Grad Old Masters (70+)
WILDMAN and WILDWOMAN challenge!
Runners can choose to compete in the Wildman/Wildwoman Challenge by registering for the 100K or 50K on Saturday and the Half Marathon or 10K on Sunday. To become an ULTIMATE WILDMAN/WILDWOMAN, runners will compete in the 100K on Saturday and Half Marathon or 10K on Sunday. To become a WILDMAN/WILDWOMAN, runners will compete in the 50K on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday. Special WILDMAN/WILDWOMAN award to all who complete the challenge!
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH RACES (ONE ON SATURDAY AND ONE ON SUNDAY) SEPERATELY.
GRANDMA'S RESTAURANT POST RACE SOUP FEED: We will have a post race meal for the 100K and 50K at Bayfront Park consisting of Grandma's Restaurants famous chicken wild rice soup and vegetarian tomato red pepper soup.
Half marathon and 10K finishers will have refreshments at the finish line at Spirit Mountain on Sunday.
WEATHER: Weather in the middle of October can be very uncertain. We could have a blizzard in October or it could be in the 60′s. Come prepared for inclement weather and have warm clothes available. Last year we had a brief blizzard at the start of the half marathon and then it got nice out. It was a cold day last year but good for running. The high temperature for last years race was 40 and the low was 24. The average high for October 19 is 52 and the average low is 37. Record high temperature for the date is 77 and record low is 22. Last year we had a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the 50′s and perfect running weather. October 19 for the last three years has seen high temperatures of 52, 50 and 62 with low temperatures of 47, 39 and 40.
Regardless of the weather, we should have beautiful fall colors on October 19. The hills above Duluth will be all shades of green, yellow, orange and red. The trail will be covered in leaves, so watch your footing!
Sunrise on October 19 is 7:30 a.m. with sunset at 6:17 p.m. Runners in the 100k should be prepared to run in the dark at the start and finish for most runners.
DROP BAGS: Drop bags may be left at the Highland/Getchell Rd. and Munger Trail aid stations as well as the turnaround at Oldenburg Point. For 100K runners, drop bags may be accessed at miles 8.3, 19.7, 31.0, 40.5, and 51.9. Drop bags can be left at the check in on Friday night before the race and on the morning of the race. If leaving your drop bag the morning of the race please have it prepared and left at the check-in table by 5:30 a.m. Drop bags must be clearly marked and secure. Bags must include your name, race number and location where you want them to go. Race management is not responsible for any lost items from your drop bag. All drop bags will be brought back to the finish line at Bayfront Park as soon as the aid station closes.
RACE RULES AND PROCEDURES:
The Wild Duluth race rules and procedures are designed for the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the race including runners, crews, volunteers and spectators. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification of the runner.
1. Runner responsibilities – The runner is responsible for knowing all the rules
2. No unauthorized aid caches or drops – No one is allowed to cache, drop or store supplies on the race course before or during the run. Runners are not allowed aid between checkpoints. Crews are forbidden to leave aid along the trail during the run.
3. Pacer Rules - One pacer at any time; Changes of pacers may only be made a designated aid stations; Pacers may not carry water, food, flashlights, shoes, their runner, clothing or supplies for anyone other than themselves; "Muling" is forbidden; no mechanical or physical assistance may be given by the pacer to the runner at any time.
4. No course cutting - Runners must follow the marked course at all times. If the runner departs from the marked course, the runner must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing. Cutting the course is grounds for immediate disqualification. Please do not cut switchbacks on the course. Switchbacks are designed to ensure the sustainability of the trail. Doing nothing to risk the sustainability of the trail we are using will ensure that we will be able to use it for future races.
5. Checking in/Checking out – It is the runner’s responsibility to properly check-in and check-out of each checkpoint. Race numbers must be clearly visible.
6. Cutoff times – Cutoff times will be enforced at the turnaround and miles 46 and 53 by the aid station captain. Their decisions are final, no exceptions.
7. Road crossings – The main concern is the safe movement of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. There are lots of road crossings on the course. Do not be complacent and forget to look both ways before crossing. Vehicles have the right-of-way at all times. The runner is a pedestrian and must obey all directions of the race official and all laws pertaining to road pedestrian crossings.
8. If you decide to drop out of the race – If any runner is unable to complete the run, the runner must notify the aid station captain and surrender their race number. Upon surrendering their race number, the runner is officially out of the race. If a runner leaves the race and does not show up at the next checkpoint within a reasonable time, run officials will assume the runner is lost and notify authorities. This situation will cost the race time, money, hardship and credibility. It may also threaten the race’s ability to acquire necessary permits for future races. Please be sure to notify race officials if you plan to drop out of the race. Leaving a race without informing the aid station captain is grounds for disqaulification and restriction of entry in future races.
9. If you get lost or injured – If you get lost or injured, stay on the trail and wait. Inform another runner that you are injured and ask that they notify race officials at the next checkpoint.
10. Do not litter – Either carry your trash or leave it at the aid stations. We are operating under permits from the City of Duluth, State of Minnesota and the Superior Hiking Trail and litter could threaten the acquisition of permits in the future. Littering along the trail will be cause for disqualification.
11. Trail Etiquette and passing other runners and trail users – All runners will meet other runners coming toward them on the trail. 50K runners will meet the 100K runners going the other direction and 100K runners will meet each other on their way back to the finish. Please be considerate of runners coming your way on the narrow trail. Runners going uphill please step off the trail for runners coming downhill. In most cases the runners going downhill will be going faster and concentrating on their footing. It’s easier for the uphill runner to step off the trail.
Also, there will be other people using the trail on race day. Please be VERY respectful of other trail users and give them the right-of-way. Remember we are guests on the trail and there will be quite a few of us out there on race day. Never cut switchbacks, stay on the trail and run through any puddles to avoid trail widening.
12. Relieving yourself - O.k., this is gross, but it should be mentioned. Solid human waste should be buried (find a stout stick and dig a quick hole with it) well off the trail and away from water. Liquid waste should not be deposited on the trail itself or near water. You should be at least 100 feet from any water source when relieving yourself. A non-entrant in the race should not see you relieve yourself.
Have Fun!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact the race directors by e-mail at: adventurerunning@gmail.com
and by phone at: 218-340-6170 or 218-349-8386
