Summit North Trail Runs
Summit North Trail Runs offers a Midwest trail running experience at Spirit Mountain.
Race Date
Aug 7, 2026
Location
Duluth, MN
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, August 7, 2026
- Location
- Duluth, Minnesota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.2 Miles, 8.5 Miles, 1.5 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 137
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Summit North Trail Runs, part of the Duluth Trails Festival, invites runners to Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minnesota. This event promises a blend of rugged terrain and community spirit, with courses designed to challenge and inspire.
Runners can expect to navigate winding forest singletrack and rugged climbs, including the unique Ely's Tunnel on the Forest Track. The Half Heavy is one of four distances offered, alongside 8-mile, 5K, and shorter options, with a Friday night Hill Climb-Descent to kick off the weekend.
While specific historical data like repeat runner rates and geographic draw are limited for this event, it aims to provide a memorable trail running experience in the heart of the Midwest.
Race-provided description
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!
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, August 7, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Start Location
Grand Avenue Chalet, Spirit Mountain, Duluth, MN, 55808
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
2 years running
~68.5 finishers a year
growing or steady
13% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 8 states
winner 1:41:17
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
63°
Afternoon (High)
76°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 137 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
137
Median time
2:49:25
Latest turnout
85
States
10
Turnout by year
2024–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Summit North Trail Runs?
The Summit North Trail Runs is held on Friday, August 7, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Summit North Trail Runs take place?
It takes place in Duluth, Minnesota.
What distances does the Summit North Trail Runs offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.2 Miles, 8.5 Miles, 1.5 Miles.
Is the Summit North Trail Runs course flat and good for a PR?
The Summit North Trail Runs is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the Summit North Trail Runs?
HalfRuns has finish records for 137 runners who have completed the Summit North Trail Runs.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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