Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside

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From Trivium Racing

  • Date Sat 14th February 2026
  • Time 10:30AM EST
  • Location Brighton, Michigan
  • Price Free - $85.74
  • Races 9 races
  • Distances Half Marathon, 5 Mile

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating winter adventure at the Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile, hosted by Trivium Racing! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 14, 2026, as this exciting event takes place at the scenic Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan. Embrace the unpredictable winter conditionsβ€”whether it’s snow, ice, slush, or mudβ€”this race promises a unique challenge that will test your endurance and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Participants can choose between two thrilling distances: the challenging Half Marathon and the fun, beginner-friendly 5 Mile trail race. Both races feature run and ruck divisions, making this one of the few winter events in Michigan to welcome ruckers alongside runners. With a mid-morning start time, you can enjoy a little extra sleep before hitting the trails. Each finisher will earn a coveted WTF hoodie and medal, celebrating your grit and determination. Join fellow winter warriors for a day filled with camaraderie, adventure, and the spirit of trail running. Don't miss out on this chance to keep your training alive through the winter monthsβ€”sign up for the Winter Trail Fest East today and experience the thrill of Michigan’s wild February trails!

Organiser's Description

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 14, 2026, at Island Lake Recreation Area [https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/islandlake] in Brighton, MI for one of Michigans most unforgettable winter races: Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon and 5 Mile trail race. This February event is built to embrace unpredictable winter conditionssnow, ice, slush, or mud. Whatever the trail throws your way, youll 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? Its the perfect motivation to keep training through the coldest months of the year. With WTF East on the calendar, youll 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 its all over. The gnarlier the conditions, the cooler the participants. Whether youre 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 mudits 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 [https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Laingsburg/STFUandHalf] (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 raceits a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigans 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.

Races

  • Half Marathon

    Incl. $6.74 Fee & Hooded Sweatshirt

    Sat 14th February 2026 (11:30AM EST)

    $85.74

  • 5 Mile

    Incl. $5.54 Fee & Hooded Sweatshirt

    Sat 14th February 2026 (12:00PM EST)

    $64.54

  • Half Marathon - Economy Package

    Incl. $5.72 Fee

    Sat 14th February 2026 (11:30AM EST)

    $67.72

    If you want to run the race, but don't want the finisher's medal, custom race bib, or race hoodie, select this option!
  • 5 Mile - Economy Package

    Incl. $5.00 Fee

    Sat 14th February 2026 (12:00PM EST)

    $51.00

    If you want to run the race, but don't want the finisher's medal, custom race bib, or race hoodie, select this option!
  • Half Marathon - Virtual

    Incl. $5.00 Fee & Hooded Sweatshirt

    $50.00

    Aren't able to participate with us in person? Join the fun virtually and receive a race medal and shirt!
  • 5 Mile - Virtual

    Incl. $5.00 Fee & Hooded Sweatshirt

    $50.00

    Aren't able to participate with us in person? Join the fun virtually and receive a race medal and shirt!
  • Half Marathon Ruck

    Incl. $6.74 Fee & Hooded Sweatshirt

    Sat 14th February 2026 (10:30AM EST)

    $85.74

    Ruckers are hiking with a weighted ruck sack or weight plate carrier and will be weighed prior to the race. Ruckers Under 150 lbs must have a backpack with 20 lbs Ruckers Over 150 Lbs must have a backpack with 30 lbs
  • 5 Mile Ruck

    Incl. $5.54 Fee & Hooded Sweatshirt

    Sat 14th February 2026 (12:00PM EST)

    $64.54

    Ruckers are hiking with a weighted ruck sack or weight plate carrier and will be weighed prior to the race. Ruckers Under 150 lbs must have a backpack with 20 lbs Ruckers Over 150 Lbs must have a backpack with 30 lbs
  • Half Marathon Early Start

    Sat 14th February 2026 (11:00AM EST)

    Free

    OPENS 13 FEB 26

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Location

6301 Kensington Rd, Island Lake State Recreation Area, Brighton, 48116, MI, United States

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Jeff Lawson

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Feb 14, 2026

Free - $85.74