Snow Moon Trail Run

Snow Moon Trail Run - Presented by Blake’s Hard Cider Co.

2024 Overview

Join Dig Deep, Blake’s Hard Cider Co., Jolt Credit Union, Shine Water and The Fraternal Order of Eagles 2110 in presenting the 8th Annual Snow Moon Trail Run!  The Snow moon is a traditional name for the full moon that occurs in February in North America. This event has hearty trail runners embracing the snow and cold air temperatures with a unique race through the dark night with cool LED lights marking the path along with what might be the most festive “aid station” ever at a race!

Runners embark on one of several race distance options - 5k, 15k or 25k - along a 5k loop of wide trails (not single track) through the woods of City Forest in Midland, Michigan. Those participants completing multiple laps (15k and 25k) will run through a chute located at the venue area alongside the Snow Moon event tent (where the finish line is located). Back by popular demand: Participants in the 5K event may choose to run during daylight hours in an afternoon event prior to the night race kicking off. Those running the daylight 5K will also be able to register for one of the evening events.

A portion of proceeds will benefit the Eagles of Midland 2110 and their community efforts.

Date:  Saturday, February 24, 2024

Race Start Times:  

• 5K Daylight Run - 4:30PM

• 15K & 25K Night Runs - 6:30PM

• 5K Night Run - 7:00 PM

Location:  Midland City Forest

Address:  2840 E Monroe Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Distances:

Packet Pickup and Late Registration:

Saturday, February 24th, 2024 from 3:30-6:30PM at Midland City Forest’s Monroe Rd Entrance and site of Snow Moon Trail Run.

ATTENTION: Those wishing to transfer between events on race day will be charged a $5 transfer fee to cover administrative and timing chip costs in addition to price difference if transferring to a longer distance event. Online transfers from one event to another prior to race day may incur additional cost depending on fee for event paid versus that of event transferring into. Online transfers end on Thursday, February 22nd. After that, all transfers must be completed on-site at packet pickup.

Race Start Times:

This year’s race will include the option of running the 5K event during daylight hours. While it is ok to change from the day to night event (or vice-versa), please be sure to let race staff know prior to running your event so you receive the correct race bib and timing chip!

• 5k (1 Lap) Day Event - begins at 4:30PM. Start cutoff time 4:35PM

• 25K (5 Lap) Event - begins at 6:30PM. Start cutoff time 6:35PM

• 15k (2 Lap) Event - begins at 6:30PM. Start cutoff time 6:35PM

• 5k (1 Lap) Night Event - begins at 7:00PM. Start cutoff time 7:05PM.

Shirt Options: 

All participants at this event will receive Blake’s Hard Cider Co. “refreshment”, a Snow Moon Trail Run pint glass, Snow Moon finisher medal, free online participation photo, event race bib and professional chip timing.

T-shirts for this event are available as a registration option only until Sunday, February 18 at midnight.  Ladies! Please be aware that ladies cut shirts are SMALLER and more form fitting than the standard unisex shirts. Take that into account when ordering.

Unisex Event T-Shirts - ($10 additional purchase for add-ons during registration): Next Level 6210 Unisex Tri-Blend - Color Options: Midnight Navy or Storm (purple).

• Unisex Small

• Unisex Medium

• Unisex Large

• Unisex Extra Large

• Unisex 2XL

Ladies Cut Event T-shirts - ($10 additional purchase for add-ons during registration): Next Level 6610 Women's - Color Options: Midnight Navy or Storm (purple).

• Ladies Cut Small

• Ladies Cut Medium

• Ladies Cut Large

• Ladies Cut Extra Large

Snow Moon Hoodie - $35 additional purchase for add-on during registration: Independent Trading Co. - Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt - SS4500

• Small

• Medium

• Large

• Large

• X-Large

• 2XL

Awards

This year’s top overall (first place) male and female winners will receive:

• Top 3 Overall Fastest 5k Day Event (1 Lap) Male & Female (gun start – chip finish actual)*

• Top 3 Overall Fastest 5k Night Event (1 Lap) Male & Female (gun start – chip finish actual)*

• Top 3 Overall Fastest 15k (3 Lap) Male & Female (gun start – chip finish actual)*

• Top 3 Overall Fastest 25k (5 Lap) Male & Female (gun start – chip finish actual)*

Parking

There will be limited parking at the Midland City Forest lot on race day. The Eagles of Midland will provide additional parking. Please be aware that there is about .25 miles distance between the Eagles Club and the event site. Please see the participant guide for further parking information.

Get Directions

Results

Both actual and adjusted results will be displayed at the event and will be posted at DIGDEEPRACES.COM within 48 hours of race completion.

Volunteers

Interested in volunteering? Events like this can’t be successful without great volunteers! Sign up at the link at the top of this page and we’ll be in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer to another distance after I’ve registered online? Yes. Refer to your confirmation email to log into your account to transfer. Those wishing to transfer between events on race day will be charged a $5 transfer fee to cover administrative and timing chip costs in addition to price difference if transferring to a longer distance event. Online transfers from one event to another prior to race day may incur additional cost depending on fee for event paid versus that of event transferring into. Online transfers end on February 17th. After that, all transfers must be completed on-site at packet pickup.

What is the terrain like? Will I need traction for my shoes? It’s difficult to predict what the trail conditions will be like come race night. It is recommended that runners have access to high quality traction solutions for their shoes in case the course should be icy and slippery. Check out a wide range of traction products that can be purchased locally at area Runners Athletic Company (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City or Mount Pleasant) or Complete Runner (Flint or Grand Blanc) locations!

Can I bring my dog to this race? Unfortunately, we cannot allow dogs this year. Our insurance policies prohibit pooches from participating (unless a service animal). This is a change from past years and a disappointment to us as we LOVE dogs.

Do I need a head lamp? We highly recommend head lamps so you can see where you are stepping.  Trail races by nature require more attention to one’s footing.  Snow and darkness increase the need to be more aware of your footing.  Trails will be “marked” by small LED lights that do NOT provide ambient light and are intended only to help provide direction.

Will the trail be lit or marked? The trail will not be lit.  However, there will be LED lights and course markings to guide runners through the course.

Will there be an aid/water station on the course? Yes. The course constricts for a bridge crossing at approximately the .75 mile mark.  An aid station providing water and snacks of several sorts will be set up at sign 11 on the event map so that runners will pass by it twice for every 5k lap.

Do I need special running shoes for this race? Not necessarily, though winter and/or trail specific shoes would help tremendously in keeping your footing on this course. We recommend you visit our friends/partners at Runners Athletic Stores in Midland, Saginaw, Bay City, and Mt Pleasant to find the best available options!

Can I wear snowshoes for this race? Sure you can.  Why the heck not.

Can I wear cross-country skis for this race? No.  Just… no.

Can I walk or ruck instead of run? Absolutely.  We ask that you sign up ONLY for the 1 Lap 5k or the 3 Lap 15k races and that you remain to the side of the trail and out of the path of runners if you choose to walk or ruck though.  

Will there be adult refreshment at the race? Yes! The Eagles of Midland 2110 will be on-site serving beverages from our presenting sponsor Blake’s Hard Cider Co.!

Will there be age group awards for this event? Unfortunately, no. It’s been another rough year for the run event industry. Increased vendor costs with lower participation numbers mean age group awards are once again unavailable. Hoping to bring them back next year! 

What happens if the race has to be cancelled for whatever reason? If on-site race is unable to happen for any reason, all on-site registrants will be moved to a virtual format in which runners will “participate” on their own time and at a location of their choice. Race Management will do our best to hold “packet pickup” for participants to retrieve shirts, bibs and medals. Shipping of items MAY be available and will be at the discretion of Race Management. Participants will be notified of options if and when race is cancelled.

Refund and Transfer Policy

We completely understand that plans change and athletes will sometimes be unable to compete in an event they've signed up for.  We also understand that registering for one of our events is a financial investment in that race. We accept your registration funds with the full intention of putting on the promised event with the listed amenities and we use your registration funds to pay for the necessary items and services needed to host the event. With that in mind, refunds will not be provided for this event unless the event is cancelled for reasons within our control.  The following are examples (but not limited to) of reasons an event might be canceled that are NOT within our control: Dangerous weather; natural disasters; pandemics; acts of terrorism; local emergencies; government mandates; and any situation creating a threat to safety of participants, volunteers, staff or bystanders.

Should an athlete have an injury or other medical issue keeping them from competing in an event they've registered for, we would be happy to transfer their registration to a similar Dig Deep-owned event up to and including the same event the following season.  A doctor's slip may be required as proof of injury or ailment.  Failure to provide proof if requested will result in non-transfer of the event.

Transferring registrations to other runners/athletes is NOT allowed.

About Midland City Forest…

Midland City Forest is comprised of 520-acres of hardwoods and pines and is Midland’s mecca for year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, the park transforms into the Great Lakes Bay Region’s premiere winter recreation area. The forest offers a variety of winter recreation opportunities including tobogganing, sledding, skiing, ice skating and snow shoeing. City Forest features Michigan’s only hand-packed toboggan runs. Each at a tenth of a mile long, these 4 snow-packed, iced and elevated toboggan runs are a fan favorite. The forest provides 7.5 miles of groomed trails (including a .7 mile lighted loop) perfect for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Trails range from beginner to advanced levels.

 A large rink in front of the Chalet is idea for ice skaters of all levels and our groomed and lighted sledding hill is available for sledding even when the Chalet isn’t open-just bring your own sled!  Visitors can complete their winter trip to the Forest with a snack and a cup of hot chocolate in the chalet during hours of operation.

 Once the snow melts, the fun doesn’t stop at City Forest. The many miles of hiking/cross country ski trails are a great place for a nature hike or jog, with nearly 8 miles in total. In addition, there are 13 miles of mountain biking trails that are open year-round. With plenty of steep hills, twists and turns, these trails provide an exciting ride even for experienced riders. There is a place for everyone at Midland City Forest!