Grow Wild Trail Run
- Date Sat 22nd August 2026
- Time 7:30AM CDT
- Location Brainerd, Minnesota
- Price $75.20 - $80.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for the inaugural Grow Wild Trail Run, set to take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the scenic Northland Arboretum in Baxter, Crow Wing! This exciting event marks the return of trail racing to the Arboretum, a beloved venue in the Brainerd Lakes Area for nearly two decades. Runners of all skill levels can participate in either a half marathon, starting at 7:30 AM, or a 10K race, which kicks off at 8:00 AM. Both races will traverse the stunning off-road trails of the Arboretum, offering a unique experience through lush forests and rolling terrain.
Join the fun and become a founding runner in this new trail running tradition! With a limited capacity of just 350 participants, early registration is encouraged. All registered runners will receive a commemorative event t-shirt and a finisher medal, with free admission to the Northland Arboretum all weekend long. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy a health and wellness expo on Friday, August 21, and be part of this uplifting event that not only promotes fitness but also supports vital environmental initiatives at the Arb. Lace up your running shoes and get ready to grow wild with us
Join the fun and become a founding runner in this new trail running tradition! With a limited capacity of just 350 participants, early registration is encouraged. All registered runners will receive a commemorative event t-shirt and a finisher medal, with free admission to the Northland Arboretum all weekend long. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy a health and wellness expo on Friday, August 21, and be part of this uplifting event that not only promotes fitness but also supports vital environmental initiatives at the Arb. Lace up your running shoes and get ready to grow wild with us
Organiser's Description
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 Areas 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 Arbs 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 (FridaySunday)
Runner capacity is limited to 350 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.
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 Areas 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 Arbs 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 (FridaySunday)
Runner capacity is limited to 350 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.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $5.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 22nd August 2026 (7:30AM CDT)
$80.50
CLOSEDHalf Marathon aid stations are planned at approximately: Mile 3 Mile 5 Mile 7 Mile 10 Finish Line Aid stations will include water & electrolytes -
10k
Incl. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 22nd August 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$75.20
CLOSED10K aid stations are planned at approximately: Mile 3 Mile 5 Finish Line Aid stations will include water & electrolytes
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14250 Conservation Drive, Brainerd, 56401, MN, United States
Grow Wild Trail Run