The Course

Distance: 13.8 miles
Elevation: +2245’/ -2245’ | Min 713’ | Max 1237’
Grade: Average 19% | Min 0% | Max 60%
Terrain: Singletrack 54%, Two-track 43%, Gravel road 2% Mixed 1%
The Trails: Duluth-Winnipeg-Pacific Railroad Trail (DWP), Superior Hiking Trail, Duluth Traverse.
Aid Stations: Juggler Joe's | ~3.7 miles, Ely's Tunnel | ~8 miles & Skyline | ~11.7 miles

STRAVA Course Map Coming Soon!

Course Description

The Forest Track is not a half marathon because it doesn't have to be. You'll probably be running pretty fast out of the gate with all the start line hype. It's going to be fast for a little while but then it gets rocky from there. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) on the west side of Kingsbury Creek will take you up the gradual climb to the summit of Spirit Mountain. From Spirit you'll continue on the SHT before dropping onto the Duluth Winnepeg Pacific Railroad Trail, and cruising the gravel until you pass through Ely's Tunnel. If it hasn't been interesting enough, your slowest split awaits. The big climb up Ely's Peak will remind you that this isn't a half marathon. Reconnecting with the SHT near the top of Ely's Peak leads you back toward Spirit Mountain where you'll grind through the ups and downs on the Superior singletrack. One last hop on the DWP give you the chance to cruise or crush it back to the chalet for your choice of a well-deserved high five, hug or corpse pose.