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Race
Information
Please
join us for one of the year’s most scenic runs through the Big
Woods State Park during prime fall colors. Registration and
start line are located south of the state park at St. John's
United Church of Christ. The race will be a mix of roads and cross
country trails, giving runners a spectacular view of the
southern Minnesota countryside. After the race, you can savor
homemade cooking with fresh homemade cookies and soup for all
participants. The race is a must for all outdoor enthusiasts,
and is part of the MN Trail Series, check us out!!

Parking
The church
parking lot and surrounding area has plenty of room to park.
Directions and parking areas are designated on the
Directions/Parking link at the top of the page.
Course Information
Enjoy the
wooded scenery, while being challenged on the aggressive and
hilly dirt and gravel trails of the 1/2 Marathon course, as it
traverses the trails throughout the Big Woods State Park. The 5K
and 10K courses are on dirt and gravel trails through the
relatively flat areas in the southern part of the park. All
three races are run on cross country trails. They can be rough
and leaf littered this time of the year. However, the scenery
and views are breathtaking in October.
Background
The Big
Woods Run is in its 14th year of giving people a
beautiful end of race season run. This race originally began as
part of the Nerstrand Bologna Days celebration. It has developed
into a race sponsored by St. John’s Church. The members provide
most of the volunteers to operate the water stops and provide
course direction. In addition, the post race food will allow
you a taste of some of local cuisine.
Race
Awards
Awards
will be given to the top 3 male and female runners in each age
category: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & up.
Award ceremonies will immediately follow the race near the
start/finish line in the park. Top runners in 2008:
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Race
|
Male |
Female |
|
½ Marathon |
Andy Holak
(1:22:10) |
Erin Ward
(1:28:10) |
|
10K |
Jon Lauritzen
(42:05) |
Jenny Mueller
(45:12) |
|
5K |
Bowen Howard
(22:40) |
Jeannie
Feldkemp (24:15) |
Race
Success
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2010
Anticipated Participation Level - 950 Runners
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2009
Participation Level - 850 Runners
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2008
Participation Level - 800 Runners
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2007
Participation Level - 800 Runners
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