2026 Zumbro Endurance Run
The 2026 Zumbro Endurance Run will take place on April 10, 2026, in Theilman, Minnesota, within the Zumbro River Bottoms Management Unit, part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest. Located in the southeastern corner of Minnesota’s Bluff Country, the event is set in a landscape of rugged single and double track trails, gravel roads, and dramatic bluffs. The weather on the event date is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F and partly cloudy conditions. Participants can expect a challenging yet beautiful trail running experience through a protected forest, featuring a mix of fast valley floor running and technical bluff-side sections. The event offers multiple distance options, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and community engagement.
What distances are available for this event?
- →100 Miler
- →50 Miler
- →34 Miler
- →17 Miler
What is the course like?
The course features a mix of rugged single and double track trails with rubble, loose rock, and sand, combined with very runnable minimum-maintenance gravel roads. The terrain is primarily concentrated in two large valleys within an expansive hardwood forest, with four significant, short, steep climbs (~300 ft) per loop and smaller rolling hills in between. The course also includes notable stretches of flat and fast valley floor running and technical bluff-side sections, offering a rugged and hauntingly beautiful "bluff country" trail running experience.
What is the start and finish location?
The start and finish of the event is at the West Assembly / Horse Campground Area within the Zumbro River Bottoms Management Unit.
How far is the event from major cities?
The event is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
What is the schedule of events?
The event schedule includes the following:
- →Friday: 100-mile packet pickup / check-in from 6:30–7:30 AM, 100-mile race start at 8:00 AM, 50-mile packet pickup / check-in from 10:30–11:30 PM.
- →Saturday: 50-mile race start at 12:01 AM, 34-mile packet pickup / check-in from 5:30–6:30 AM, 34-mile race start at 7:00 AM, 17-mile packet pickup / check-in from 7:00–8:30 AM, 17-mile race start at 9:00 AM.
- →Approximate finish times include the first 17-mile finisher at 10:50–11:30 AM, first 34-mile finisher at 12:00 PM, and the final race cutoff at 6:00 PM.
What are the cutoff times for each distance?
- →100-mile: 34 hours
- →50-mile: 18 hours
- →34-mile: 11 hours
- →17-mile: 9 hours
What is the course map?
The course map for the 2026 Zumbro Endurance Run is available at Visit Website ↗.
What is the philosophy of the event?
The event is organized by Rocksteady Running, with a focus on sustainability, runner safety, runner experience, and giving back to trails, parks, and local communities. The course is designed to provide a backcountry trail experience in a protected forest management area, with aid stations and volunteer support provided by the Minnesota trail running community.
What should runners be prepared for?
The looped course design allows multiple distances to share the same terrain, and technical trail sections require good footing and trail-running experience. Runners should be prepared for a challenging course that includes steep climbs, technical sections, and long distances.
What is the expected weather for the event?
The expected weather on April 10, 2026, in Theilman, Minnesota, is mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F and partly cloudy conditions. Runners should prepare for variable weather and be equipped with appropriate gear for trail running.