NCTRaces
Mission:
Our mission at NCTRaces is to raise a charitable donation for our local chapter of the North Country Trail Association. The Brule-St. Croix chapter of the NCTA is responsible for building, improving, and maintaining the North Country Trail in our area. As runners, hikers, and nature enthusiasts this trail is essential to in our connection to nature. It is our pleasure to help in any way possible, whether through donations, trail work, volunteering, or enrollment.
Half Marathon Course Stats:
Surface: Single Track Dirt
Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft.
Aid Stations: 1- Highland Aid Station- 6.5 miles
Course Layout: Out/Back
Start Time: 9:00 AM
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Half Marathon
2024 will be our 6th year offering the 13.1 distance. This is a great race for people looking to push their limits and see how far they can go. It is also a great race for those who may run farther and want to take the opportunity to race hard (the trail is hilly but can be fast). The 13.1 mile race can also be used as a mid-distance training run for any upcoming ultra races. Wherever you are in your running life, this race fits.
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The 13.1 mile course follows the North Country Trail 100% (except for a 50 yard spur to the Highland Aid Station where you turn around). This course runs through the Historic Brule Portage and beyond towards the Highland Town Hall and County Rd. S. After moving from the Mississippi River Watershed into the Lake Superior Watershed (Brule River Valley), the course runs across an old logging slash and then into wooded ravines and the beautiful Jersett Creek. Along this section are some incredible Red and White Pine. The course then enters a pine plantation for soft, fast, cool running before turning into the aid station.
The Highland Aid Station (Half Marathon Turnaround) is before the actual trail head at the Highland Town Hall, so runners will not have access to restrooms, but there will be bushes and biodegradable toilet paper! This is the only aid station on the 13.1 mile course and does not have access to crew or spectators.
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​​All race distances start and finish at Palmer's Landing. The 13.1 mile course is an out and back route, which does contain a short spur (50 yards) off of the North Country Trail in order to facilitate the Highland Aid Station.
Half Marathon Course Maps
