Frozen Falcon

Falcon Trail Fest Powered by Trails of ‘Toba Events, FALCON TRAIL FEST, presented by Travel Manitoba, is Manitoba’s first ever multi-day stage race. Supported as well by Altra running and Big Sky Run Co and set against the stunning granite-slabbed boreal forest backdrop of Falcon Lake in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park, this weekend trail running festival will see runners testing their abilities over two distance options. The highlight of the weekend will be the brand new onishkatoon gwaykaadiziwin trail, the stunning new trail that wraps around the east end of Falcon Lake! Whether you’re tackling a single race or taking on both days, Falcon Trail Fest will be as much about the trails community experience as it is about the finish line. Overview Race Date: September 26–27, 2026 Race distances: 8K, 16K (Saturday), 28K, Marathon (Sunday), Half Flight (8K + 28K), Full Flight (16K + 42K) Race Location: Falcon Ridge Ski Hill, Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB, Canada Start time: Saturday

10:00 AM, Sunday 9:00 AMCut-off times: Saturday 2:00 PM, Sunday 4:00 PM Full details + course maps: Trails of 'Toba website THE FULL FLIGHT: 58 KM 2-day STAGE RACE The FULL FLIGHT is the ultimate weekend test — two tough days, two beautiful courses, and one serious badge of trail honor. You’ll kick off Saturday with a punchy 16k Classic Up & Down with 540m of vert packed with steep climbs, granite ridgelines, and fast-flowing singletrack through Falcon Ridge’s rugged interior. Then, after a night of lakeside recovery (or celebration), you’ll toe the line again Sunday for the Altra 42K Loop the Lake marathon with 592m of vert — a full circumnavigation of Falcon Lake featuring cedar groves, beautiful climbs, and sweeping shoreline views.FULL FLIGHT runners should expect 58k of leg-burning Manitoba singletrack, including everything from ski hill paths to granite slabs and loamy forest trail. The Full Flight rewards runners who can pace wisely, recover quickly, and bring big trail energy two

days in a row. THE HALF FLIGHT: 36 KM 2-day STAGE RACE The Half Flight is the perfect weekend combo for runners looking to dip their toes into multi-day trail racing. The Half Flight kicks off with an 8k Classic Up & Down with 270m of vert on the first day — a short but spicy loop that charges up the ski hill before diving into classic shield singletrack, full of roots, rocks, and rolling forest flow. Runners then return Sunday for the scenic Altra 28K Better Half, an out-and-back along the new onishkatoon gwaykaadiziwin trail (at the east end of Falcon Lake) with open pine stands, cedar groves, and shimmering lake views to distract you from the 🫣 620m of vert. Across both days, you’ll log 36K of varied terrain, from steep climbs to tree-covered lakeside trail, all with generous support and festival vibes. The Half Flight is ideal for newer trail runners or road racers looking to take the leap into back-to-back trail events — challenging, beautiful, and unforgettable. Classic Up & Down - 8K

& 16K (Saturday only) The Classic Up & Down lives up to its name — a punchy, scenic course that makes full use of the Falcon Ridge ski hill and surrounding trails. Starting beside the Falcon Ridge Ski chalet, the route climbs and descends multiple sections of the hill on mowed, off-trail terrain, throwing steep, grassy grinds at your legs right from the start. Once the vertical settles, runners connect with the 5 of Diamonds trail for a mix of rocky shield, rooty technical stretches, and fun granite slab running. From there, the course blends into lightly used winter trails — mowed and clearly marked for race day — leading to the steep and scenic Pine Ridge Trail. After 1.3km of slabby climbing, you’ll turn onto the flowy High Lake Trail for a fast and runnable finish.The 8K event ends here, but 16K runners return to the aid station to refuel — and then tackle the entire loop again for round two of leg-burning vert and epic views. Whether you're racing short or going double, this course

brings steep climbs, iconic Shield terrain, and the kind of trail fun that Falcon Trail Fest will soon be known for! Altra Loop the Lake Marathon / The Better Half - 42k & 28k (Sunday only) The Altra Loop the Lake Marathon is Falcon Trail Fest’s crown jewel — whether you are tackling the full 42k marathon that circumnavigates Falcon Lake on a mix of new singletrack, classic trails, and shoreline connectors, or you're taking on the shorter 28k Better Half out-and-back (but with just as much vert), this will be a day to remember! Starting at Falcon Ridge Ski Chalet, runners will head east around the lake on the freshly built onishkatoon gwaykaadiziwin trail, with flowing forest paths, copious amounts of vert and lake views before linking up with the Trans Canada Trail on the lake’s rugged north shore. 14k in, the 28k runners turn around and head back while the 42k runners continue on around the entire lake, through the Falcon Lake town-site before coming around and back in the direction of

Falcon Ridge. The 42k route finishes up with climbs up to the granite ridges of “Top of the World,” before dropping back in to the finish.This course delivers a full showcase of Whiteshell terrain: loamy forest trail, mossy Canadian Shield rock, rooty lakefront, and wide-open lake views. With two well-placed course aid stations and plenty of wide open runnable stretches, this is a marathon for both first-timers and trail veterans looking to race (or roam) in one of Manitoba’s most scenic natural areas. What's Included? - A stellar weekend of trails with Manitoba's amazing trail running community- Awesome finisher medals for all events- A shot at a top three finisher trophy- Personalized race bibs for all racers- Custom Falcon Trail Fest performance running shirts for ALL runners- Fully stocked aid stations- Food voucher for the Trails End Restaurant for all runners- Amazing single track and amazing views on the new trail at Falcon Lake- UTofMB points for all Manitoba Association of Trail

Runner (MATR) members- Taking part in Manitoba's first ever 2-day stage race trail running festival weekend!- Loads of volunteers ready to make your race day remarkable!- And more surprises to come...! PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING *** Once registered for the race, we will not be offering refunds for any reason, due to the fact that many expenses are incurred well before the event is hosted*** There will be bib transfers allowed through UltraSignup until August 25, 2026.- A Manitoba Park Pass will be required for all vehicles on race day.- Participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the competition, if between 15 and 18 a person may run with written parental permission, if under 15 a parent must provide written permission and run with them and also be a registered participant.- The Race Directors reserve the right to make changes to the course or cancel the event and change to a virtual format dependent on weather/trail conditions, government regulations, etc.- Registered

members of the Manitoba Runners Association may use coupon code MRATRAILRUNNER for a $5 discount on registration. MRA membership must be active at time of registration.Parking is limited, so please carpool if you can (especially from the Falcon Lake town-site) — it helps the event run smoother and keeps our environmental impact low. Spectator Info Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer runners on — especially at the start/finish area, where a festival-style gathering space will be set up near the Falcon Ridge chalet. Bring a lawn chair, a cowbell, and your loudest cheering voice to help us create an amazing Falcon Trail Fest atmosphere!Please note: only official crew may provide supplies or support, and only at designated aid station (start/finish, Toniata, Falcon Lake town). Handing off gear or fuel anywhere else on the course is not allowed. Places to Stay Falcon Trail Fest is hosted out of Falcon Trails Resort & Falcon Ridge Ski Chalet, which offers cozy, on-site cabins just

steps from the race start. These lodges are popular and tend to book up quickly, so we highly recommend reserving your spot as early as possible. Just a short drive away, The Hotel at Falcon Lake (located in the Falcon Lake townsite) offers a variety of rooms along with on-site dining options — perfect for runners and families looking for convenience and comfort. There are also numerous other accommodations within a 30-minute drive of Falcon Ridge. For more options, explore listings in the South Whiteshell region via Explore the Whiteshell.CampingLooking to camp? The closest campground is at Falcon Lake, with several other options available nearby. Check out the South Whiteshell camping listings on Explore the Whiteshell for details.Note: Manitoba Parks has not yet released reservation opening dates. Keep an eye on their official site for updates: Manitoba Parks. Volunteers Want to get involved without racing? Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Falcon Trail Fest

— and volunteers receive 25% off registration to Falcon Trail Fest in 2027 as a thank-you! We are also building a little Falcon Trail Fest merch pack for each volunteer! Please see the VOLUNTEER tab next to registration to sign up. This event runs on community energy, and we’re always looking for enthusiastic folks to help with aid stations, course marshalling, timing, and more. It's a fun, rewarding way to connect with the trail running community and be part of the action.A huge shoutout goes to the South Whiteshell Trails Association (SWTA), the volunteer group that maintains nearly all the trails used during Falcon Trail Fest — and were instrumental in developing the new and much talked about east end connector trail: onishkatoon gwaykaadiziwin (wake to honesty on the eastern shores of Falcon Lake). Interested in helping them out or donating to their work? Click here to donate to SWTA.Important note: Please direct any concerns or issues on race day to event staff at the start/finish

area, NOT volunteers. Our volunteers are here to support you, and they also have the authority to remove participants from the course if cutoff times aren’t met or if a runner appears unfit to continue. Safety is our top priority. Event's current local time: 3:37 AM CT

64 km. It's not a Marathon It's a Fat Ass event--No fee, no aid, no swag, no whining.Inclusive. Non-binary, Female, Male. Run, walk, hike, fastpack.Since 1980 people have been completing the Mantario Marathon on the last full weekend in September. It's a 2-day, Self-Supported Mantario Trail run where you camp halfway at Moosehead Lake. Saturday the race begins with a mass start at the Caddy Lake South Mantario Trailhead, finishing 32 km later at Moosehead, the halfway overnight campsite. All the race participants need to be self-reliant & carry everything needed for 2 days, including the halfway camp. Day 2, features a reversed start based on individual times from Saturday, with the first start at 7 AM and everyone else follows based on their time lead or placement from the day before. The race finishes 32 km later at the Big Whiteshell North Mantario Trailhead.The event is challenging. It is not officially rated but consider it a Black Diamond trail. It's a difficult trail to traverse as

well as to follow. Most people lose contact with the trail and have to find the trail again, often several times each day. There is no aid along the trail. Camping is wilderness camping with no services. Expect a lot of ups and downs with more than 1500 metres of loss and gain. The trail is through boreal forest and Canadian Shield. There are numerous water crossing. The trail is often wet and slippery. Rules 1. All competitors must be self-sufficient. Carry all that you need to be independent—adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, maps, compass, first aid and other equipment necessary to allow you to safely complete the event including spending a night under the stars.2. During the event, stop to assist any participant you come across who needs or may need assistance.3. Pack out what you pack in. This applies to what becomes garbage—food packaging, those socks that gave you the big blisters on the first day and any appendages that should happen to fall from your body during the run.4.

The burning of garbage, food, clothing, etc. is prohibited. Pack it in, pack it out. Do I have to run? May I hike? You are welcome to run, walk, hike, fastpack, etc. as long as you can make it to Moosehead Lake to camp for the night and finish the trail the next day. You must be able to travel on foot approximately 30 km each day while carrying all our overnight gear over rugged terrain. Why is there no cost? It's a Fat Ass event, a non organized event that is steeped in the spirit of trail running—challenging, fun and free. Your responsibility is your own. No liability accepted, no insurance, no race director, no event staff, no organization, no company, no aid, etc. You are responsible for yourself You need to be self-supported--pack and carry all that you need for the 2-day event. Food, water, shelter, sleeping, clothes, navigation and route finding, a means to filter or purify water, emergency and safety equipment, repair and first aid, etc.For injuries or if you need help, Call

911/active EMS, same as any run or hike. Carry and know how to use a satellite messenger/communicator. Is the route marked? There are no Mantario Marathon markings. You must be able to follow the Mantario Trail. Bring and use the Mantario Trail map, a compass as well as download the Mantario gpx file to your device. Mantario Trail map is available here https://www.canadamapsales.com/en/catalogue/books/hiking/p17252692.html or here https://www.wildernesssupply.ca/maps-guidebooks/canada-map-sales/mantario-hiking-trail-map. Mantario gpx is available here, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2367101488/files/files Experience, Training and Expectations You should be an experienced trail user, for instance an ultra or trail runner or hiker. Prior experience on the Mantario Trail or a similar trail such as Hunt Lake is most beneficial. Other assets include route finding skills especially in the Canadian Shield and boreal forest environments. While long distance training is important do not under

estimate the requirement of training with your backpack. Yes, it is important to be able to run 64 km but it's more important to be able to that run 64 km while carrying your overnight kit. For more information see the event website https://mantario-marathon.webnode.page Event's current local time: 3:37 AM CT