Urban Trail Series

Presented by Endurance United

Endurance United is a St. Paul–based nonprofit committed to promoting an active, healthy, outdoor lifestyle through programming and endurance events. Originally founded as Sisu Skiers Cross Country Ski Club, the organization has grown to include a wider variety of endurance activities while staying true to its mission.

We launched the Urban Trail Series in 2012 as our signature event series and primary fundraiser. The series showcases the extensive trail system in Battle Creek Regional Park, a true Ramsey County gem.

Go Spring! opens the series in May as Battle Creek transitions from winter to spring. Runners take on 5K and 10K courses across the Nordic ski trails—sometimes with a little hidden snowpack still tucked in the woods. Every Urban Trail Series event also includes a shorter, but not necessarily easier, 2K–3K kids run. Parents are welcome to sign up too—good luck keeping up with the speedsters.

In August, Bluff Tuff brings the heat with a summer half marathon and 10K trail run. Due to permitting constraints tied to ongoing construction projects, Bluff Tuff is held infrequently. When it does run, we aim to make it a point-to-point experience using the hills and forests of Battle Creek, the grasslands of the Games Loop, and the urban bluffs on singletrack. The route takes the trail less traveled through the Municipal Forest, up our signature 20-40-20 stairs to Mounds Park, and through Swede Hollow, finishing near Saint Paul Brewing.

October brings Night Light, so crack your glow sticks and check your headlamp batteries. The sounds of trains coupling in the night mix with happy runners and the bells of volunteer water stop crews. Join us for the 5K or 10K evening races!

Our final event is the Turkey Day Trail Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The race returns to the East Battle Creek Dog Park, where the hot cider always seems to show up. Families run together before the day’s festivities, and runners planning to go back for seconds of turkey and dressing are encouraged to take on the 10K. Adults can also jump into the Trail Kids 3K for a no-guilt slice of pie.

We look forward to your participation in the Urban Trail Series and appreciate your support of Endurance United. We hope these events introduce you to world-class parks, connect you with a wider community of runners and endurance athletes, and inspire you to live an active, healthy, outdoor lifestyle.