Greetings Runners!
We are one week out from the 32nd Annual Afton Trail Run which will be held on on Saturday July 5, 2025. 150+ volunteers are coming together to put on this year’s race. We are thrilled to to have 917 registered runners from 2 countries, 26 states and 189 Minnesota cities joining us. This email is long, but it is very important that you review it in its entirety.
NOW is also the time to review all of the information on the website again, so you are as prepared as possible come race day. I cannot stress enough how important it is to review the information associated with the distance you are running (links below) along with taking the time to review other important sections of the website.
50KM Info: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/50km-info/
25KM Info: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/25km-info/
Maps / Diagrams: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/maps-and-data/
Below are some important reminders and a few updates:
If You Can No Longer Run:
If for any reason you will not be running the race, there is no need to contact us to let us know – we will know you are not starting when you do not pick up your race number.
IMPORTANT! Parking (and the long walk to the start for most participants):
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you understand how parking works for the Afton Trail Run. Most participants will park at Afton Alps and will have a 15 to 20 minute walk up to the race start. Detailed information is available via the 25KM and 50KM race info pages and a recap of the information is available HERE https://www.aftontrailrun.com/parking/
50K Drop Bag Dropoff Location:
50K runners please see complete details about drop bags on the 50K info page of the website. This is a note to tell you that you need to drop off your own drop bag at Aid Station 6 on race morning which is adjacent (30ft) from the start line. Do not drop / leave your drop bag at the ‘warmups gear check’ next to runner check-in, that area is for gear that runners want us to hold onto until after the race (their warmups for pre-race / a clean change of clothing for after the race) – if you leave your drop bag there, you will not have access to it when you need it during the race.
Bib Number Assignments:
Bib number assignments have been made and are available on our website HERE https://www.aftontrailrun.com/2025-bib-assignments
Heat & Hydration:
Afton is a hot weather race. In order to be successful the vast majority of runners will have to adjust their pace down. We strongly encourage you to carry a water bottle. Aid stations will have water, ice, Coke and Ginger Ale, along with pre-packaged sweet and salty snacks. Due to the dizzying array of products on the market, and most people having their own preferred one, we do not have sports drink at the aid stations. You can procure your own individual serving packets of most popular brands and add to your water bottle after refilling at the aid station. Additionally many people choose to supplement with their preferred electrolyte pill or ‘fizz’. We will have Succeed Caps (electrolyte capsules) at the aid stations for those that run out / are in need.
Cupless Race:
A reminder that Afton is a cupless race, so you need to carry your own water bottle, hydration bladder, or cup.
Course Markings:
The course will be marked with ORANGE FLAGS which will always be on the left side of the trail. We mark the trail you are supposed to be on and DO NOT block off trails that you are not supposed to go down, so you need to pay attention.
Crew, pacers, family and spectators:
If you have crew, pacers, family or spectators joining you at this years race they need to review THIS https://www.aftontrailrun.com/spectator-info/ page and associated links in its entirety, please make sure you forward this information to them.
Results
Race results will be posted as runners finish. The link to the results is HERE https://www.athlinks.com/azp/ctlive/event/85690
T-Shirts!
All runners and volunteers will receive this awesome t-shirt as the event giveaway. https://www.aftontrailrun.com/2025-race-shirts/
Medals:
All 25K and 50K runners will be awarded a medal when they finish. We started doing new medals in 2021, a scaled back design sans year / date with space to write it in or add other info, this helps us to cut down on waste (no more throwing out / burning dated medals and creating more waste). https://www.aftontrailrun.com/new-afton-finishers-medals-2021-and-beyond/
Post Race Meal:
Post race we will be providing complimentary 12oz canned beverages (Coke, Ginger Ale and Sparkling Water), fresh made Neapolitan style pizza, and cookies. Beverages and pizza are free for runners. Crew, pacers, family and spectators may also enjoy for a cash donation – there will be a can / jar out.
Swag for Sale:
We will have some t-shirts, hats, posters, stickers, sweatshirts and more for sale throughout the day. You can get an idea of some of the items we will have for sale HERE https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/shop/?filters=product_cat%5B15%5D – Cash or check is preferred but we can also take PayPal or Venmo.
Donate Your Gently Used Trail Running Gear:
New in 2025 we will be accepting lightly used trail running shoes, technical clothing, and gear (packs, vests, headlamps, watches, etc.) that you no longer want or use, at Rocksteady Running Races. Items will be donated to Mile in My Shoes and made available to Resident Members who are getting into trail running! Mile in My Shoes is an official Afton Trail Run / Rocksteady Running charity partner. You can learn more about MiMS HERE https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/mile-in-my-shoes/ and HERE https://www.mileinmyshoes.mn/
Afton Trail Run Charitable Legacy:
Each year the Afton Trail Run donates dollars and volunteer hours to Afton State Park. To date we have gifted around $65,000 to the park for trail and infrastructure improvements, equipment and programming.
Sponsors & Partners
Please be sure to check out our awesome sponsors and partners.
Mill City / Saint City Running
Vaniply / Vanicream
Steve Smillie Edina Realty
Afton Alps
Art and Science Family Dentistry
Bridge Realty – Bill Pomerenke
Northwoods Running
State Farm Insurance – Geri Martin
Trail Transformation
Performance Running Gym
Consilience Coaching
Climb Above Endurance Coaching
Mile in My Shoes
St. Croix Law
Critical Connections Ecological Services
Join us for a Cool Down?
Join us on Wednesday July 9 for the Endless Summer Trail Run Series Lebanon 7 Mile Trail Race at Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan MN https://www.estrs.com/lebanon-7mi/
OK, that is all I have for you. If you have any questions, shoot me an email. I can’t wait to see you all at Afton!
Thank You,
John Storkamp
Race Director
[email protected]