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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