Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside

United States flag Brighton, Michigan, United States

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Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside runsignup.com
Date 13 Feb, 2027
Races 9 distances
Entry fee $43.00 – $81.00
Runner rating Be the first to rate
Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside

About the event

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 13, 2027, at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton, MI for one of Michigan’s most unforgettable winter races:  Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon and 5 Mile trail race. This February event is built to embrace unpredictable winter conditions—snow, ice, slush, or mud. Whatever the trail throws your way, you’ll 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? It’s the perfect motivation to keep training through the coldest months of the year. With WTF East on the calendar, you’ll 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 it’s all over. The gnarlier the conditions, the cooler the participants. Whether you’re 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 mud—it’s 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 (50 Mile, 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 race—it’s a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigan’s 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 offered

13Feb

Half Marathon Ruck

Running

Distance
13.1 Miles
Start time
10:30
Entry fee
$69.00
13Feb

Half Marathon Early Start

Running

Distance
13.1 Miles
Start time
11:00
Entry fee
$81.00
13Feb

Half Marathon

Running

Distance
13.1 Miles
Start time
11:30
Entry fee
$69.00
13Feb

Half Marathon - Economy Package

Running

Distance
13.1 Miles
Start time
11:30
Entry fee
$55.00
13Feb

5 Mile

Running

Distance
5 Miles
Start time
12:00
Entry fee
$49.00
13Feb

5 Mile - Economy Package

Running

Distance
5 Miles
Start time
12:00
Entry fee
$43.00
13Feb

5 Mile - Virtual

Running

Distance
5 Miles
Start time
12:00
Entry fee
$45.00
13Feb

5 Mile Ruck

Running

Distance
5 Miles
Start time
12:00
Entry fee
$49.00
13Feb

Half Marathon - Virtual

Running

Distance
13.1 Miles
Start time
12:00
Entry fee
$45.00

Weather history

3-year monthly averages for February in Brighton.

Temperature-5.2° / 3.5°
Feels like-10.6° / -1.6°
Sunshine hours6h 40m
Rainfall1.6 mm
Snowfall0.3 cm
Wind13.9 km/h (Gentle breeze)
Humidity73.2%
Max UV indexModerate (3.0)
Sweat lossLow
Course conditionsFirm and slightly soft
Sunrise08:30
Sunset19:05

About Brighton

Learn more about the host city, Brighton.

Scenic view of

Brighton is a city in southeast Livingston County featuring a tranquil riverside boardwalk, the Mill Pond, historic cemeteries, local restaurants and art galleries.

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Race results

Official finishing times from previous editions of Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside.

Place Name Gender Age City Time
🥇 Deb Deren F 62 White Lake, MI —
🥈 Glen Wold Jr M 64 Clinton Township, MI —
🥉 Amanda Chapman F 46 West Olive, MI —
4 James Deren M 67 White Lake, MI —
5 Bill North M 56 Fenton, MI —

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