Remembering Brian Landstrom

by | Jan 10, 2022 | Uncategorized

Brian crossing the Split Rock River during the 2017 Superior 100 Mile Trail Race – Photo Credit Cole Peyton   Brian Landstrom passed away peacefully and with dignity at home on Christmas Day 2021, he was 70 years old. While Brian led a vibrant life outside...

Afton 2021 Recap

by | Jul 7, 2021 | Race Recaps, Uncategorized

Son and Father-In-Law 50K Finish, Roy and Les – Photo Credit Cheri Storkamp   AFTON, where the magic keeps on happening. I cannot tell you how many amazing conversations and interactions I had this past weekend. I hope you had the same opportunity to...

2021 Volunteer Thank You

by | Jul 7, 2021 | Volunteer Thank You's

Wednesday July 7, 2021 TO: 2021 Afton Trail Run Volunteers Dear Friends, A few of you had a chance to meet him over the weekend, the new(ish) State Park staff member who is a retired Army Chaplain. Not having been on staff in 2019, this weekend was the first time he...

Afton 2021 Runner Email

by | Jun 28, 2021 | Uncategorized

Greetings Runners, I would like to welcome you to the 27th Annual Afton Trail Run! We look forward to seeing you all on Friday July 2 and Saturday July 3, 2021. Thank you so much for signing up for this year’s race, keeping a great Summer tradition alive, and...

Afton Trail Run 2021

by | Jun 2, 2021 | Race Updates, Uncategorized

2021 Afton Trail Run Participant Guide, Event Logistics Plan and Covid 19 Preparedness Plan   Friday July 2 and Saturday July 3, 2021 – Afton State Park, near Hastings Minnesota   About this document: This is required reading for every runner planning...

2021 Race Shirts

by | Jun 2, 2021 | Shirts & Swag, Uncategorized

We liked the 2019 shirt design so much that we have been wanting run it in different colors in the coming years. All registered runners and volunteers will receive this awesome shirt!  

Afton 2021 Registration Opening Soon!

by | Jun 2, 2021 | Race Updates, Uncategorized

I am excited to announce that we will be holding (a modified) 27th annual Afton Trail Run, over two days; Friday July 2 and Saturday July 3, 2021! The special invitation registration period for those that were registered for the canceled 2020 race will start on Wed...

Afton Trail Run
50KM & 25KM Trail Races
Afton State Park – Hastings, Minnesota
Saturday July 4, 2020
• 50KM 6:30AM
• 25KM 7:30AM

Registration:
Opens Wedneday January 1, 2020 at 12:01AM CST
Closes Friday June 26, 2020 at 11:59PM CST
*Or once the field limit has been met
Complete Registration Details HERE

Directions to Race Start:
Afton State Park
6959 Peller Avenue South
Hastings, MN 55033
Hastings, Minnesota
Google Maps Directions HERE
Approx 25 minutes East of St. Paul, MN and 40 minutes East of Minneapolis, MN

Terrain / Course Description:
The Afton Trail Run consists of a hilly 25K loop (two loops for the 50K), winding through Afton State Park’s trail system. The race is held 100% off road, primarily on very runnable / not very technical single double and single track. There are 7 long climbs per loop, rising from the river valley and down again with a good mix of rolling and flat terrain between the hills.  Be sure to see maps, elevation charts and stats provided on this website HERE.

50KM:
2 x 15.5 mile loops =  31 miles
Elevation Gain 4,670 FT
Elevation Loss 4,670 FT
NET Elevation Change 9,340 FT
11 Aid Stations
9 hour time limit
Complete 50KM Info HERE

25KM:
1 x 15.5 mile loop = 15.5 miles
Elevation Gain 2,335 FT
Elevation Loss 2,335 FT
NET Elevation Change 4,670 FT
5 Aid Stations
8 hour time limit
Complete 25KM Info HERE

More About the Race / Area:
The Afton Trail Run is one of the most challenging and beautiful trail races around.  The race was established in 1994 and is now one of the oldest, largest and most competitive trail races in the country and routinely draws runners from all 50 states and beyond.  The race takes place entirely within the borders of Afton State Park.  Afton State Park lies on a glacial moraine, scribed with deep ravines running down to the St. Croix River.  The 169 mile St. Croix River was one of the original eight United States rivers to have significant portions placed under protection by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.  Within the park sandstone outcrops have been exposed in some of the ravines. The vertical drop from the blufftop to the water is 300 feet.  A few patches of remnant prairie survived the decades of farming that took place on the blufftop. Today the former fields are being restored to prairie and oak savanna. The ravines leading down to the riverbank are thickly wooded with oak, aspen, birch, and cherry.