Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon is a trail running and running race on July 25, 2026 in Carlton, MN, with an entry fee of $75.
From the Organizer
Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon
Date: 25 July 2026
Distance: 50 mi
Start/finish: Carlton, MN (Turnaround: Duluth, MN)
Ascent: 5,000 ft
Descent: 5,000 ft
T-shirt deadline
Register before July 4 to guarantee a t-shirt.
Overview
Founded in 1982, the Minnesota Voyageur 50 Mile Trail Ultramarathon is one of the oldest trail ultras in the nation. The race follows a rugged, varied, out-and-back course that takes runners on a journey from Carlton, MN, through Jay Cooke State Park, and heads northeast over difficult, rough woodland trails to Duluth, MN—and back. Enjoy scenic overlooks of Lake Superior and cross the iconic Swinging Bridge over the dalles of the St. Louis River.
Weather for the Minnesota Voyageur can be extreme. There have been several years when it was hot and humid—including 2003 when it was brutally hot with 90 percent humidity. In other years it has been cool, in the mid-50’s, and wet. Plan for everything except snow—at least not so far!
(!) New in 2026:
The race start/finish has moved to the Carlton Munger Trailhead, which we have long used for the Curnow Marathon.
The turnaround has moved further into Fairmount Park, to ensure the course runs a full 50 mi.
Events
Weather
Live forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service.
Race Day
Saturday, 7/25
High
88°
Low
63°
Conditions
Slight chance showers and thunderstorms then mostly sunny
Chance of Rain
23%
Wind
5 to 10 mph
Host City
City Elevation
1,194 ft
Nearest Airport
DLH
Duluth International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 127 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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From Endurance Grid
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 off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Duluth Trails Festival
12 miles away
Summit North Trail Runs
12 miles away
Bingo Challenge Races
116 miles away
Grow Wild Trail Run
86 miles away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Carlton than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to CarltonFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon
Jul 25, 2026