Winter Trail Fest (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside
- Date
- February 20, 2027
- Distance
- Half Marathon · Economy Package - Half Marathon · Half Marathon Ruck & more
From the Organizer
Winter Trail Fest West – Half Marathon & 5 Mile Trail Race in Middleville, Michigan
Some call it the Winter Trail Fest. Others just think, “What the F…?!”
Join us on Saturday, February 20, 2027 at Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Middleville, MI for Winter Trail Fest West Half Marathon and 5 Mile trail race. This winter race is known for its unpredictable conditions—snow, slush, ice, or mud—and the famous river crossing that takes “winter trail challenge” to another level. If icy water isn’t your thing, you can skip it with a short .25-mile detour, but either way, you’ll earn every step of your WTF hoodie, medal, and bragging rights.
WTF West begins with a Noon start, giving you a chance to relax in the morning before testing your grit on the trails. The Half Marathon course features rolling hills and rugged singletrack, while the 5 Mile distance offers a fast, fun taste of winter racing. Both distances welcome runners and ruckers, making WTF West one of Michigan’s few winter trail races to feature a dedicated ruck division.
This race is perfect motivation to keep training through the winter months. Signing up for WTF West means having a goal to keep you moving when the weather makes most people stay inside. The gnarlier the conditions, the cooler the participants—and at WTF West, you’ll never forget the experience.
Why Run WTF West?
- Half Marathon & 5 Mile options: Choose the distance that fits your winter goals
- Run or ruck divisions: A growing ruck community side by side with runners
- Unpredictable winter trail conditions: Snow, slush, ice, mud—sometimes all in one race
- Noon start time: Sleep in and let the temps warm up before you hit the trails
- River crossing option: Test your grit or bypass with a short detour
- Swag you’ll live in: Earn the custom WTF hoodie and medal every finisher loves
- Community atmosphere: High-energy volunteers, bonfires, and post-race stories to share
- WTF + STFU Trail Series: Race Winter Trail Fest plus Summer Trail Fest Ultra (50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, 5 Mile) in June to claim connecting medals and save 15% with the bundle
This is more than a winter race—it’s a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigan’s late-February trails. Sign up for the Winter Trail Fest West Half Marathon or 5 Mile and find out why 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
35°
Typical Low
17°
Chance of Rain
43%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Hastings, 10 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Middleville, MI
Elevation
756 ft
Nearest Airport
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 13 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 (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
257
Days to train
- Race
- Winter Trail Fest (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside
- Date
- February 20, 2027
Coming Up
More Running races near Middleville, MI
Caledonia Kilt Klassic 5k
5K
9 miles away
myTEAM TRIUMPH West MI -- TRIDELSOL -- Captain & Angel Registration
Less than a mile away
Heatwave Half Marathon - Grand Rapids
Half Marathon
9 miles away
Green Lake 5K run and walk
5K
9 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 (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside?
- Winter Trail Fest (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside is a running race held in Middleville, Michigan on February 20, 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 (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside?
- Saturday, February 20, 2027 in Middleville, Michigan at 2526 S Yankee Springs Rd, Middleville, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Winter Trail Fest (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Winter Trail Fest (WTF) Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Westside
Feb 20, 2027