Run through the wooded, tree-lined dirt and gravel trails of southern
Minnesota's Nerstrand Big Woods State Park at the Big Woods Run, a fall
race event that expects to draw several hundred runners for this year's
half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile Kids Run.
The location for the race
as well as the time of year promise a cool-weather run, and its
proximity to nearby Minneapolis (the park lies about 45 miles south of
the city) means it's not a difficult race to get to.
The terrain for the half-marathon course is hilly and challenging, race
organizers say, while the 5K and 10K courses are generally flatter and
easier. The scenery is a big part of the attraction for the race as
well -- autumn is one of the peak seasons in the 2,882-acre park, as
the turning
of the leaves in this forest of sugar maple, basswood, elm, green ash
and other tree varieties bring vivid reds, oranges
and yellows to life.
St. John's Church on Jacobs Avenue (just south of the entrance to the
park) is the starting line for all races, which begin at 9:00 AM (for
the half-marathon, 10K and 5K runners) and 10:30 AM for the children
running in the 1-mile Kids Fun Run.
Race
Weather & Climate
The early weeks of fall bring cooler and drier weather to the
Nerstrand, Minn., area, which lies near the Nerstrand Big Woods State
Park and about eight miles to the east of Faribault. October
temperatures average between 60°F and 37°F, while
rainfall
amounts average about 2.23 inches for the month.
Fees
$30 for the half marathon, if registered by May 31, 2011
$35 between June 1 - August 6
Registration
To reserve your spot in the fall 2011 running of Faribault's Big Woods
Run, register online at the event website.
Website
www.finalstretch.com
Course Area Map
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impressions and read fellow runners' stories
and tips for the event.