COURSE MAP (ClICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION):
ELEVATION PROFILE:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The 25k/50k races are on the rugged Superior Hiking Trail in northeastern Minnesota. They are on single track trail and traverse the front range of the Sawtooth Mountains through the Superior National Forest. The trail encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Minnesota. The National Forest Service and Backpacker Magazine have ranked the Superior Hiking Trail as one of the top hiking trails in the United States
25k
The 25k race starts in front of the Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen. The distance to the SHT trailhead is 0.6 of a mile. From the trailhead to the turnaround at the Oberg Mountain parking lot is 7.0 miles. The course has everything from scenic overlooks to dense maple forests. The trail winds through boreal forests of birch, spruce, balsam fir and alder as it climbs to the top of Moose Mountain. A lot of ups and downs make this a very challenging section to run. This is one of the toughest sections of the Superior Hiking Trail and caution must be observed. The oldest section of the Superior Hiking Trail is at the gorge of Poplar River. Actual distance for the 25k race is 15.2 miles.
50k
The 50k race follows the same course as the the 25k, as described above. Instead of turning around at the Oberg Mountain parking lot, runners continue on to the second aid station at the Sawbill Trail parking lot (5.7 miles from Oberg Mountain) and then continue on to the turnaround at Carlton Peak (2.2 miles). Between Oberg Mountain and Sawbill the trail is mostly easy — rolling paths through maple and birch forests. Wet and seasonally wet ground is typical along this section. Actual distance for the 50k race is 31 miles.
AID STATIONS:
Oberg Mountain Aid Station (25k and 50k)
The Oberg Mountain aid station is located at mile 7.6 of the 25 KM, where it also serves as the turnaround point for that race. 50 KM runners likewise reach the Oberg Mountain aid station at mile 7.6, and revisit it at mile 23.4 on their return trip. First expected 50K runner in to this aid station around 7:50 AM. The Oberg Aid Station Cutoff is 1:30 PM (17:00 minute miles or 3.5 MPG average for 50K runners)
Driving Directions: Turn off of Hwy. 61 at mile post 87.5 (Forest Rd. 336 or Onion River Rd.) Go north approximately 2.2 miles to parking area on left side of road.
Sawbill / Britton Peak Aid Station (50k)
The Britton Peak aid station is located 5.7 miles from the Oberg Mountain aid station. 50 KM runners reach the Britton Peak aid station at mile 13.3 on their outbound leg, and again at mile 17.7 on their return leg. The 50 KM turnaround is 2.2 miles from the Britton Peak aid station, at Carlton Peak. There is no aid station at the turnaround, and crew access at the tunraround on Carlton Peak is prohibited. First expected 50K runner in to this aid station around 8:30 AM. The Sawbill / Britton Peak Aid Station Cutoff is 12:00 noon (17:00 minute miles or 3.5 MPH average)
Driving Directions: Turn off of Hwy. 61 at milepost 82.8 (Cook Co. Rd. 2, Sawbill Trail Rd.) Go 2.7 miles north on Sawbill Trail. This road is curvy and has a lot of blind spots. There is not much parking available, so please be courteous to others.
START FINISH LAYOUT MAP:
