Minden Run for St. Jude

Run Caney is back again! This will be a 5K, 6 mile and 12 mile loop run around beautiful Upper Caney Lake near Minden, Louisiana. The run, set in the slight hills and oak flats of the Kisatchie National Forest; is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature at its finest. It's not too hilly, not too rocky, and not too root laden. It's just right! Goldilocks would love it! This is an "Old School Style" trail run. It's a perfect first timer's race!

THERE IS NO NEED TO PAY THE $5 USAGE FEE. I'VE COVERED IT THIS YEAR BY SECURING THE DAY USE AREA.

Overall male and female winner in each race will get an award of some type. Age group winner will receive a home-made ornament of some type.

50 Miler option for 2026 Course The course is a 10-mile loop that combines the Blue Wing, Koasati, and Whoa Mule trails. There will be two aid stations along the route. The main aid station, located at the Start/Finish area, will offer hot food and a variety of trail snacks. A second, unmanned station will be positioned around mile 5, serving as a halfway point. This station will provide water, snacks, ice, and electrolytes.The course features classic Louisiana State Park trail terrain, with flat, minimally elevated paths characterized by muddy sections, tree roots, and natural trail surfaces. For additional insights and feedback, check the comments from runners and hikers on AllTrails. Location Lake Bistineau State ParkSituated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park

offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, camping, cabins and excellent fishing!Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such freshwater catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.Lake Bistineau dates back over 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou, creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet.Area 1 is located in the main section of the park, with cabins, and a group camp. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous

sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. The park's trail system encompasses nearly 10 miles of woodland trails and an 11-mile canoe trail, for visitors who want to see the park's beauty from the water. Lodging Lake Bistineau State Park17 Premium Campsites5 pull-through campsites, 12 prime location campsites, all with water and electrical hookup44 Improved CampsitesWater and electrical hookups Swag 100M/100K - pull over hoodie, running cap, and cooling towel 50M/50K- pull over hoodie and headband Awards 100K Finisher Buckle100M Finisher BuckleTop 3 Male and Female of 100k and 100 miler with get a custom buckle holder by Midwest Mediocre 25K and 50M gets a medal and Top 3 males and Females get a plaque Starting Times & Cutoff 6am for both distances 100K & 100 miler will get to enjoy a very friendly cutoff 40 hour Cutoff8am for 25K and 50 miler 15 hour cutoff This race is design for you to finish. Race Day Food

Start/FinishBacon, PB&J, Chips, Cookies, Quesadilla, Grill Cheese Sandwich, Pickles, Candy, Crackers, Potatoes, Gummies, Soda of all kinds, Water, Ice, & ElectrolytesMore hot food will be addedvegan optionsFinish Meal TBD Discount Use Military, Donor or First Responders at check out if one applies to you. You have 24 hours to send us proof. Thank You Event's current local time: 3:40 AM CT

Location Confirmed: Walker Place Park

Get ready for the “Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Parks Edition”!

Starting at 8 a.m., this 13.1-mile race takes you through some of the most stunning parks in the region—where every step is a celebration of life and tradition.

As the sun rises, you’ll set off from the starting line in a beautifully adorned park, the morning air crisp and filled with the scent of marigolds. The course weaves through lush landscapes, sparkling lakes, and towering trees, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and serene scenery.

Aid stations along the route provide hydration to keep you fueled and motivated. The peaceful, picturesque surroundings create a unique running experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

The final stretch leads you through a breathtaking scene of natural beauty. As you approach the finish line, you’re greeted by cheering crowds ready to celebrate your accomplishment.

Crossing the finish line, you’ll be welcomed into a lively post-race celebration at the rally tent. Live music fills the air, and an array of delicious Mexican treats and refreshing drinks awaits you. Celebrate your success with fellow runners, share stories, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

The Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Parks Edition is a joyous tribute to life, memory, and the beauty of the great outdoors. Lace up your running shoes and join us for a half marathon that promises to be as enriching as it is challenging. Run to remember, run to celebrate!

COSTUME CONTEST

At the heart of the “Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Parks Edition” is an exciting costume contest that invites runners to fully embrace the spirit of Día de los Muertos. Before the race kicks off, participants gather at the starting area, showcasing their most creative and vibrant costumes. From intricately painted calavera faces to elaborate skeletal attire, the costumes transform the park into a colorful celebration of life and memory. A panel of judges evaluates the costumes based on creativity, authenticity, and overall impact. The winner receives the coveted “Day of the Dead Best Costume Award”, along with a special prize package, right before the race begins. This pre-race contest adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie, encouraging participants to run in style and celebrate in true Day of the Dead fashion from the very start.

Join in all the festivities you have come to expect from a Bigfoot Running Company event. Awesome medals, cool Tee's, high energy staff, 100% focus on participant experience, live awards, and lets not forget the coveted Bigfoot Trophy's. Snacks and refreshments will be available when you finish at the race rally tent. Our DJ will be playing all the hits and announcing every runner. All award winners will be announced and recognized for their accomplishments. Aid stations will be on the course to provide water and to assist should you have any concerns during your run. Come join us for the hottest Half Marathon this October! Our primary focus is to make your race fun, safe and exciting.

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k & Quarter Marathon 12 & Under are only $15!

*Participants will receive a $20 refund if they refer 5 others.

*Join as a group and receive special group discounts. The larger your group gets the larger your groups discount gets.

Race Distances offered:

Kids Dash - This event if for our little Yeti's and is typically about a 20 yard dash. Designed for kids 10 and under. This is not timed and includes a tee shirt, race medal, and exclusive Kids Dash recognition pin. Your little Yeti will get to experience what races are all about as we focus all the attention on them and get the crowd involved in cheering them on. Our crew will be present with our professional race camera capturing all the fun so that you can share the memory of this awesome experience with friends and family.

1 Mile - Our 1 mile race is designed for all ages and experience levels. This event is not chipped timed and includes a tee shirt and race medal.

5K - Our 5K race will take you 3.11 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

1/4 Marathon - Our Quarter Marathon race will take you 6.55 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall Bigfoot trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

Half Marathon - Our Half Marathon race will take you 13.1 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall Bigfoot trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

Standard Age Group Awards for 5K, Quarter Marathon and Half Marathon

1st overall M/F - Trophy

1st overall M/F Masters age 40+ - Special recognition award lanyard pin

10 and under M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

11-14 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

15-19 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

20-24 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

25-29 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

30-34 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

35-39 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

40-44 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

45-49 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

50-54 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

55-59 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

60-64 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

65-69 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

70+ M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

Shirt guarantee cutoff is 10 days out from the event. After that date if shirts are still available this page will be updated and a notification of availability will be placed at the top of this listing with details concerning shirt size availability and quantity available if applicable.

Event Schedule

6:30-7:45am Packet Pickup

7:55am Kids Dash (Meet at the Start Line and we will walk participants out to the starting area)

8:00am National Anthem and Race Start!

Results and Awards are live and available at the Registration tent immediately following your finish!

Volunteer then Run includes a custom chip timed bib, super soft tee, and an awesome finisher medal! You can participate in any distance run offered for this event. You simply show up an hour and a half before race start and help with packet pickup, about 10 minutes before race starts, you join everyone at the starting line for pre-race warmup and start with the starting gun. Then after you run the race and recover you help us hand out awards. (This option does not require you to sign up under the volunteer tab above. This option does not include the Full Race Volunteer benefits' listed below.)

Full Race Volunteer with Us! (you will not be running in this race)

Sign up under the "VOLUNTEER" tab on the top menu. Course Monitor and Aid Station volunteers earn an Bigfoot race shirt, souvenir race medal (subject to availability), VIP race access and your choice of a FREE race entry to a future event to use for yourself or to gift to someone else or a $20 pre-paid digital gift card!

Course Monitors help maintain a safe course by redirecting traffic away from participants and guiding participants in the right direction. Feel free to bring pom-poms, horns, music, instruments, signs, etc. to encourage and cheer on runners. Bonus for creative costumes!

Aid Station volunteers provide water to participants as they pass. Keep course clean for runners by picking up discarded cups, bottles, and trash and place it in the provided trash bins. Please feel free to bring pom poms, signs, horns, music, etc to cheer on participants. Bonus for great costumes!

Volunteers arrive at the event 1.5 hours before start time and check in at the registration tent.

*Bigfoot races proceed rain, shine, hot or cold.

Packet pickup is always offered for 1.5 hours before the event start time. If an additional packet pickup is scheduled it will be communicated via email to all registered participants a a minimum of 1 week before the race.

Bigfoot Running Company races are typically held at parks and green belts. We make every attempt to stay on paved trails but mixed course surfaces should be expected. You may run on pavement, crushed granite and when unavoidable a dirt paths.