Summit North Trail Runs

Welcome to the Summit North. 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 thoughtfully crafted courses, 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.

We can’t wait to share the trails with you this August!

Event Policies

Deferral & Transfer Policy - Pregnancy and Postpartum Included
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy
Gender Category Policy
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Trail Sisters Approved Standards

Etiquette

Start Line Courtesy:
   - Line up according to your expected pace to avoid congestion at the start. Faster runners near the front.

Respect Aid Stations:
   - Be efficient at aid stations to minimize congestion. Move away from the table after grabbing supplies to make room for others.
   - Dispose of wrappers and packaging in designated bins. All endurance nutrition packaging can be recycled by disposing them in the TerraCycle bins at all aid stations and at the start & finish area.

Trail Preservation & Safety:
    - Avoid causing unnecessary impact on the trail. Stay on the marked trails to prevent damage.
    - Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of your fellow runners.

Communicate on the Trail:
   - Use clear language when passing other runners on the trail. 
   - Communicate if you need to pass or if someone is approaching from behind. A simple, “on your left,” while passing on the trails works great.

Cheering and Support:
   - Encourage fellow runners, but be mindful of noise levels, especially in natural and quiet settings.

Finish Line Etiquette:
   - Cross the finish line and continue moving to allow space for other finishers.
   - Follow the finishing chute to ensure accurate timing and flow of runners.

Post-Race Clean-up:
    - Dispose of trash properly at the finish area and post-race festivities.
    - Help maintain the cleanliness of the mountain by picking up after yourself and others

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

 
REGISTRATION
How do I know if I am registered? You will receive an email confirmation immediately after you sign up for the race. You may search HERE for to confirm your registration.
 
What do I get with my entry fee? The entry includes your race bib and official results, finisher award, and access to premium apparel add-on, and the finish line party.

How can I change my registration?
1. Log onto RunSignUp. Sign into your RunSignUp account you created and/or used when you signed up.
2. Click on “Upcoming Events” in the tabs near the middle of the page.
3. Click on “Manage Registration” on the right side of the page.
   - Detailed directions for changing your registration can be found HERE
 
Can I get a refund if I am not able to run for any reason? We do not allow refunds. You can take advantage of our deferral and transfer policies detailed above.
 
Can I switch my registration to one of the other races or transfer my registration to another person? Yes, you can. Please see the below transfer policy. You can make these changes through the registration management - see above.
 
Can I defer my registration to another year? Yes, we allow one-year limited deferrals. This means that you can defer 2024 registration to 2025 but not beyond. Please see the below deferral policy. You can make these changes through the registration management - see above.
 
 
COMMUNICATION & CHECK-IN
I am not receiving race information or emails, but I am registered- what should I do? Sign in to your RunSignUp account and confirm that your email address is correct. If it is correct, please email the Race Director at eric@duluthrunning.com.
 
Can I pick up a bib and SWAG for someone else or can someone else pick up mine? Yes, you can pick up other people things and others can do the same for you.
 
Do I need anything in order to pick up my bib? No, you do not need to bring anything, although you may want to bring a bag for all the stuff, especially if you are picking up for multiple people. We no longer offer packets or bags in order to reduce waste.
 

RACE DETAILS
Can I run one of the races if I am not registered? No you may not. Only registered participants are allowed on the race course during the event. Any individuals not wearing a bib, or suspected of running un-registered will be asked to leave the event and could be banned from further participation in Duluth Running Company events. 

Is there a cut off for the races?  We do not anticipate having to cut anyone off on course as our time requirements are generous. If there are participants that are not making meaningful progress on course, we reserve the right to enforce a cut-off or remove participants from the course. We will have sweepers for each event to ensure safety and continual progress of runners toward the finish.
 
Can I start the races late? No athletes will be allowed to start the Hill Climb or Mountain Lap races late. For The Creeks & the Forest Track, late starts will not be allowed beyond 10 minutes after the posted start times. If you start late, you run the risk of not receiving an accurate race time.
 
Can I wear headphones or ear buds? While it is impossible to ban headphones we highly discourage headphone and ear bud use during this event to ensure your safety and the safety of others. We do not allow runners to play audible music on course and if you are, we reserve the right to pull you from the course and disqualify you from further participation in the races.
 
Is my pet allowed on course or at the event? We do not allow pets of any kind at our events or on the race course.  This is for the safety of all participants and all of our animal friends. For participants with service animals, please reach out to race staff directly through our contact link so we can ensure your, and your service animal's safety as well as communicate expectations with our events team on race day.  Minnesota Council on Disability - Service Animals
 
Can I have a pacer or crew for any of the races?  Pacers are not allowed for any of the race distances and no crew will be allowed at aid stations during any of the races.

Are spectators allowed at aid stations?  For the safety of runners, volunteers, race staff, and to ensure good stewardship of our trails, no spectators will be allowed at any aid stations outside of the Spirit Mountain property. We encourage spectators near the route of the Hill Climb on Friday and the Juggler Joe aid station via lift access on Saturday. This is a great spot to cheer on runners and get some great views.
 

APPAREL & SWAG

Can I buy Summit North apparel at the race? We will have a limited run of Summit North apparel for sale on race day while supplies last.  Duluth Running Company apparel will be available for purchase too.

Course Description fast, slow, and beautiful

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. 

Start Time: 7:30 AM

Forest Track | Heavy Half Marathon - Statistics - COURSE MAPS

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

Course Description it's a climb and a descent

You'll climb the ski hill right out of the gate and follow the chair line as it climbs to join a double-track trail and rounds the Spirit Express Lift at the summit of Spirit Mountain. If you have legs left after the climb, you'll then descend the steep and loose double-track trail down the ski run to finish at the chalet.


Start Time: 7:30 PM

Hill Climb - Statistics - COURSE MAPS

Distance: 1.50 miles, 2.5 kilometers
Elevation: +570’/ -570’ | Min 714’ | Max 1281’
Grade: Average 16% | Min 5% | Max 36%
Terrain: Double-track 98%, Mixed-use 1%, Grass 1%
The Trails: Spirit Express Lift Line & Juggler Joe

Course Description iconic Duluth terrain

Don't let the distance deceive you. You'll begin by heading up a gravel ski road before turning onto the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) and climbing over the rocky and rooty terrain on the west side of Knolton Creek. After this challenging and technical climb, you will be greeted by a steep final climb to the summit of Spirit Mountain. From the top you'll dip in and out of the woods before starting your decent on the SHT along winding singletrack toward the finish line party at the chalet.

Start Time: 8:15 AM

Mountain Lap | 5k - Statistics - COURSE MAPS

Distance: 3.1 miles, 5 kilometers
Elevation: +630’/ -630’ | Min 713’ | Max 1205’
Grade: Average 17% | Min 0% | Max 44%
Terrain: Singletrack 60%, Double-track 23%, Gravel road 9% Mixed-use 8%
The Trails: Superior Hiking Trail, Juggler Joe, Old Bardon Peak Blvd
Aid Station: Juggler Joe's | ~1.8 miles

Course Description all the trails in 8 little miles

Are you ready to fly? The flat and fast first few miles of The Creeks on the gravel road and the Duluth Winnepeg Pacific Railroad Trail (DWP) will keep your legs turning. As soon as you're used to the flatter terrain the route hops on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) just after crossing Keene Creek. You'll climb steadily all the way back to the top of Spirit Mountain on the SHT. Your views on this section are pretty great...take a look up from your feet once in a while. From the summit of Spirit Mountain the route descends on Old Bardon Peak Road and the SHT to Stewart Creek. If you can get the legs moving again you can make up some time by flying back to the finish at the chalet on the DWP and Duluth Traverse.

Start Time: 8:00 AM

The Creeks | 8 Mile - Statistics - COURSE MAPS

Distance: 8.5 miles, 13 kilometers
Elevation: +1190’/ -1190’ | Min 683’ | Max 1205’
Grade: Average 16% | Min 0% | Max 62%
Terrain: Singletrack 57%, Two-track 30%, Gravel road 8% Mixed-use 3% Paved 2%
The Trails: Duluth-Winnipeg-Pacific Railroad Trail (DWP), Superior Hiking Trail, Juggler Joe, Duluth Traverse
Aid Stations: Kingsbury Creek | ~3.75 miles & Juggler Joe's | ~6.2 miles

The Grand Avenue chalet hosts our start and finish area. We have a bunch of other cool stuff planned around the races that includes our partners and supporters.

 NNormal - shoe & gear demos
 Skratch Labs - snacks & swag
 Duluth Foot Trail Alliance - trail education
 Superior Hiking Trail - support our charity partner!
 Duluth Running Company - Get some DRC or Summit North gear at our pop-up store.
 Riverside Bar & Grill - Enjoy post-run food and drinks at the chalet.

_____________________________________________________________________

Summit North Trail Runs are held at Spirit Mountain Grand Avenue Chalet (8551 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN 55808) about 8 miles (15-minute drive) southwest of downtown Duluth.

Accommodations:
A number of hotels are within a short drive of Spirit Mountain.

Parking:

• You will enter the chalet area via Grand Avenue.

• Enter and turn right- DO NOT block the accessible parking spaces or the chalet entrance.

• Please reserve the paved lot for accessible spaces & families.

• Park in the gravel lot if there are available spaces.

• Use the large grass lot if the primary gravel lot is full.

• Parking is not permitted on Grand Avenue or on the neighboring residential streets. 

Parking Map

1. Be kind. This is an easy one.
2. Stay on course. Protect the trails and the land.
3. Bring your own cup. This is a cupless race.
4. If you don't finish and leave the course- Tell us.
5. Challenge yourself. This is hard one.
6. Say thank you. Volunteers and race staff work hard too.
7. Stick around and cheer on someone you don't know. 

If you want to see all the policies, rules, etiquette and FAQs- CLICK HERE

_____________________________________________________________________

Moutain Lap | 5k

• Juggler Joe's - 1.8 miles

The Creeks | 8-mile

• Kingsbury Creek - 3.75 miles

• Juggler Joe's - 6.2 miles (2.45 miles from Kingsbury Creek)

Forest Track | Heavy Half Marathon

• Juggler Joe's - 3.7 miles

• Ely's Tunnel - 8 miles (4.3 miles from Juggler Joe's)

• Skyline - 11.7 miles (3.7 miles from Ely's Tunnel)

Aid Station Hydration & Nutrition

Aid stations will have the following:

• Water and Lemon + Lime OR Strawberry Lemonade Skratch Labs Hydration (80 calories, 20g of carbohydrate, 400mg of sodium) 

• Limited supply of Skratch Labs Energy Chews (160 calories, 19g of carbohydrate, 35mg of sodium)

• Variety of sodas (Ely's Tunnel & Skyline Only)

• Bananas & Oranges (Ely's Tunnel & Skyline Only)

_______________________________________________________________________

Our team at Duluth Running Company has followed in the long Duluth tradition of producing great running events. 2005 was the first edition of the Gobble Gallop and we have had a blast creating races and learning a ton along the way. The Gobble Gallop has become one of Minnesota's biggest Thanksgiving Day races, Pike Lake is a spring classic, and The Duluth Women's Ten Mile has brought hundreds of women together to elevate and transform what a run can be.

We hold fast to our commitment of inspiring our active community through everything that we do and our events reflect this in so many ways. If you have raced around Pike Lake, witnessed the sunrise at Hawk Ridge at the start of the Duluth Women's Ten Mile, or donned a turkey hat for the Gobble Gallop, you are a vital part of that inspiration. We are going to continue to put on great events because you inspire us to do it... the Summit North Trail Runs are what's up next!

_____________________________________________________________________