Conquer the heart of a Minnesota winter at the Northwoods Winter Marathon & Half Marathon Championships in Duluth's Lester Park on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This isn't just a race; it's a celebration of frosty endurance, utilizing the city's incredible network of smooth, snow-packed fat bike trails that transform the rugged landscape into a runner's winter wonderland. The course offers a spectacular tour, climbing onto the famed Hawks Ridge trail for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Superior and the snow-dusted city below. As the premier event in the Duluth Winter Trailrunning Series, it challenges you to become a "Winter Trail Series Survivor" while delivering a uniquely fun, fast, and scenic cold-weather running experience. Embrace the crisp air and incredible camaraderie, knowing your effort is rewarded with hot drinks, warm cheers, and the profound satisfaction of racing in one of the most beautiful winter settings in the Midwest. Lace up your trail shoes for a truly unforgettable championship run where the trail itself is a masterpiece of packed snow and pure Northwoods magic.
Races Offered
Half Marathon
Jan 03, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
Marathon
Jan 03, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
Snowshoe Half Marathon
Jan 03, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
Snowshoe Marathon
Jan 03, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Duluth.
thermostatTemperature
-12.0° / -5.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-17.9° / -10.5°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
4h 56m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
0.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.5 cm
air
Avg wind speed
13.3 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (1.4)
humidity_mid
Humidity
76.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:46
nightlight
Sunset
17:48
About Duluth
Learn more about the host city, Duluth.
Duluth is a city of about 86,000 people (2018) in northern Minnesota. It is one of the most scenic cities in the Midwest. Duluth has a thriving tourism industry, with antique shops, excellent restaurants, cozy inns, and scenic views of the lake. There is a ski resort inside city limits.
