Oxbow 50k

The Oxbow 50 is a boutique trail running event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, within Spruce Woods Provincial Park in Manitoba. Known for its "relentlessly up and down" terrain, the race utilizes a network of scenic trails including the Trans-Canada, Epinette, and Yellowquill sections. The event organizers acknowledge the race takes place on Treaty 1 Territory, the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Event Detail	Information
Distances	50K Ultra and ~15K Trail Race
Start Time	8:30 AM (Check-in at 7:30 AM)
Participant Cap	100 Total Runners
Course Cut-off	6:30 PM (10 Hours)
Registration Status	Closed (as of April 5, 2026)

The geography of Spruce Woods Provincial Park is distinct within the Canadian Prairies, featuring the Spirit Sands—an area of active sand dunes—and the "Devil's Punch Bowl," a unique blue-green spring-fed pond. The trails for the Oxbow 50 traverse an ancient delta of the Assiniboine River, characterized by sandy soil and rolling hills that make the course "deceptively hard." In early May, southern Manitoba typically transitions into spring with average highs around 16°C (61°F). However, the region is prone to rapid weather shifts, including late-season frost or muddy conditions as the ground thaws, which underscores the race's strict "no refund" policy regarding weather-related cancellations. Logistically, the event is managed by On the Edge Running and maintains a small field to preserve the grassroots feel of the trail community. All participants receive a custom Oxbow 15/50 patch and a post-race meal, while those who complete the 50K distance earn a finisher’s T-shirt. Although official registration closed on April 5, bib transfers are permitted until April 30, provided a current registrant finds a replacement. For travelers, the park is located approximately two hours west of Winnipeg, offering a rugged alternative to the flat landscapes typically associated with the province.