Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside
- Date
- February 13, 2027
- Location
- 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI
- Distance
- Half Marathon · 5 Mile · Half Marathon - Economy Package & more
From the Organizer
Winter Trail Fest East – Half Marathon & 5 Mile Trail Race in Brighton, Michigan
Some call it the Winter Trail Fest. Others just think, “What the F…?!”
Join us on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton, MI for one of Michigan’s most unforgettable winter races: Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon and 5 Mile trail race. This February event is built to embrace unpredictable winter conditions—snow, ice, slush, or mud. Whatever the trail throws your way, you’ll earn every step of your WTF hoodie, medal, and bragging rights.
The later mid-morning start time gives athletes a chance to sleep in and lets temperatures rise just enough before you take on the course. The Half Marathon winds through rolling singletrack, while the 5 Mile offers a fun, fast, and beginner-friendly way to experience winter trail racing. Both distances include run and ruck divisions, making WTF East one of the few winter races in Michigan to welcome ruckers alongside runners.
One of the best parts about this race? It’s the perfect motivation to keep training through the coldest months of the year. With WTF East on the calendar, you’ll have a reason to lace up, head outside, and keep your running habit strong all winter long.
This race is for athletes who crave challenge, adventure, and a story to tell when it’s all over. The gnarlier the conditions, the cooler the participants. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner, a winter race first-timer, or someone ready to test their endurance with a ruck, WTF East delivers a true February trail experience.
Why Run WTF East?
- Half Marathon & 5 Mile options: Distances that fit both new and experienced trail runners
- Run or ruck divisions: Growing ruck division alongside traditional running categories
- Unpredictable winter trail conditions: Snow, slush, ice, or mud—it’s all part of the adventure
- Late start time: Sleep in and let the temps rise before hitting the trails
- Memorable swag: Earn a WTF hoodie and medal designed to celebrate your grit
- Community atmosphere: Share miles, laughter, and post-race stories with fellow winter warriors
- WTF + STFU Trail Series: Combine Winter Trail Fest East with Summer Trail Fest Ultra (50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, 5 Mile) in June to earn connecting medals and save 15% when registering for the bundle
This is more than a winter race—it’s a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigan’s wild February trails. Sign up for Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon or 5 Mile and discover why so many runners and ruckers come back year after year.
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
33°
Typical Low
14°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Milford Gm Proving Ground, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Brighton, MI
Elevation
941 ft
Nearest Airport
FNT
Bishop International Airport · 29 mi
Major Hub
DTW
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport · 31 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
250
Days to train
- Race
- Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside
- Date
- February 13, 2027
- Location
- 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI
Coming Up
More Running races near Brighton, MI
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Less than a mile away
Running Lab Main Street Mile Presented By New Balance
Less than a mile away
New Hudson/Lyon Twp Runway 5K
5K
7 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside?
- Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside is a running race held in Brighton, Michigan on February 13, 2027. 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 Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside?
- Saturday, February 13, 2027 in Brighton, Michigan at 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside
Feb 13, 2027