Grow Wild Trail Run
- Date
- August 22, 2026
- Distance
- 10K · Half Marathon
- Price
- $45–$50
From the Organizer
Become a founding runner of a new trail running tradition at the Northland Arboretum.
Trail racing is back at the Arb.
Join us for the inaugural Grow Wild Trail Run at the Northland Arboretum on Saturday, August 22nd. For nearly two decades, the Arb was home to one of the Brainerd Lakes Area’s favorite trail running traditions, and we are excited to once again welcome runners to our trails with a new name and a new chapter for the future.
Participants can choose between a Half Marathon or 10K race, both taking place entirely on Northland Arboretum property.
Race Details
Half Marathon Start Time: 7:30 AM
10K Start Time: 8:00 AM
Half Marathon participants will complete two loops of the course
10K participants will complete one (shortened) loop of the course
This is a fully off-road trail race utilizing the Arb’s scenic trail system through forests, rolling terrain, and natural landscapes.
*See course map and elevation chart below (subject to change)
The Grow Wild Trail Run will feature a gun start with professional chip timing provided by Pickle Events.
Packet Pickup & Expo
Friday, August 21st
Health & Wellness Expo + Packet Pickup
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Northland Arboretum Visitor Center
Saturday, August 22nd
Day-of Packet Pickup & Registration
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Northland Arboretum Visitor Center
Runner Information
All registered participants will receive an event T-shirt and finisher medal
Guaranteed T-shirt deadline: August 5th, 2026
All racers will receive free admission to the Northland Arboretum all weekend (Friday–Sunday)
Runner capacity is limited to 400 participants
Early registration is encouraged
Follow parking attendants upon arrival - Please do not park at the movie theatre.
Aid Stations
10K aid stations are planned at approximately:
Mile 3
Mile 5
Finish Line
Half Marathon aid stations are planned at approximately:
Mile 3
Mile 5
Mile 7
Mile 10
Finish Line
Aid stations will include water & electrolytes
Additional Information
No dogs allowed on the racecourse
Dogs are welcome at the Arb and must be on leash
This event is a fundraiser for the Northland Arboretum and helps support trail maintenance, environmental education, recreation opportunities, conservation projects, and continued improvements throughout the Arb. We are currently raising money to light our forest ice skating trail.
Come run, explore, and GROW WILD WITH US.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
78°
Typical Low
54°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Brainerd, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Brainerd, MN
City Elevation
1,259 ft
Nearest Airport
BRD
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport · 4 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 110 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Grow Wild Trail Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
66
Days to train
- Race
- Grow Wild Trail Run
- Date
- August 22, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Brainerd, MN
Hallett Freedom 5K Run/Walk 2026
5K · From $40 · 470 8th Street NE
16 miles away
2026 Nisswa Firecracker 5k & 10K
5K · 10K · From $40 · 25491 Main St
12 miles away
Grandpa's Run for the Walleye
5K · 10K · From $10 · Crosslake Community Center
23 miles away
BEAR CHASE
1 Mile · 5K · From $20 · 310 Central Ave
39 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Trail Running
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain, not the pace, is the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Grow Wild Trail Run?
- Grow Wild Trail Run is a running race held in Brainerd, Minnesota on August 22, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Grow Wild Trail Run?
- Saturday, August 22, 2026 in Brainerd, Minnesota at 14250 Conservation Drive. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Grow Wild Trail Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Grow Wild Trail Run
Aug 22, 2026