The Big Woods Run features a Half Marathon, a 10K, a 5K, and 1K kids run all on state park trails (with a dash of road to get you there). The races happen in Big Woods State Park on October 12 – but with a starting line just outside the park so state park permits are not required. With homemade cookies and soup as part of your registration, how can you go wrong? For more information or to register, head to http://www.finalstretch.com/running-races/big-woods-run.html. Thanks to Curt for answering our questions this month!
1. This is your 17th year, right? Have you always had all three races as part of your line up? What prompted you to add distances?
Yes, I think 17 is right. We added the 5K about 8 – 10 years ago to give the new runners a chance to experience the Big Woods and all of its beauty. We are not planning on adding new distances.
2. I’m surprised there aren’t more races in our state parks. Are there any special challenges that come with a State Park race?
Yes, you need to get special approval and for most races, they would have to take part at the state park and daily car fees become an issue. For us, the event is based one mile south of the park at St. Johns Church. This allows everyone to experience the Big Woods park while not every car paying for a daily pass.
3. What’s the craziest thing that’s happened race day or race week?
On race day, we had a deer that was spooked by all the runners actually jump over a runner. The runner was in shock for a minute but it made a great story!
4. It sounds as though you have great support from St John’s Church. Do you have need of any additional volunteers? How should people get a hold of you to volunteer?
Yes, St. John’s Church does a great job with volunteers. However, we are definitely in need of volunteers for course marshals and water stops. With volunteering, they can partake in the soup luncheon after their shift is up! This is a great event with a great post race soup luncheon for all the runners. Contact Annie at annieg@finalstretch.com to sign up for volunteering.
- Name: Big Woods Run
- Distance: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1K Kids Run
- Location: St. John’s United Church of Christ, 19086 Jacobs Avenue, Faribault, MN
- Date: October 12, 2013
- Time: 9:00 a.m. Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
- 10:30 a.m. Kids Run