4 running, walking, aquabike, and other events in Green Oak Charter Township, Michigan

Winter Trail Fest East – Half Marathon & 5 Mile Trail Race in Brighton, Michigan

Some call it the Winter Trail Fest. Others just think, “What the F…?!”

Join us on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton, MI for one of Michigan’s most unforgettable winter races: Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon and 5 Mile trail race. This February event is built to embrace unpredictable winter conditions—snow, ice, slush, or mud. Whatever the trail throws your way, you’ll earn every step of your WTF hoodie, medal, and bragging rights.

The later mid-morning start time gives athletes a chance to sleep in and lets temperatures rise just enough before you take on the course. The Half Marathon winds through rolling singletrack, while the 5 Mile offers a fun, fast, and beginner-friendly way to experience winter trail racing. Both distances include run and ruck divisions, making WTF East one of the few winter races in Michigan to welcome ruckers alongside runners.

One of the best parts about this race? It’s the perfect motivation to keep training through the coldest months of the year. With WTF East on the calendar, you’ll have a reason to lace up, head outside, and keep your running habit strong all winter long.

This race is for athletes who crave challenge, adventure, and a story to tell when it’s all over. The gnarlier the conditions, the cooler the participants. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner, a winter race first-timer, or someone ready to test their endurance with a ruck, WTF East delivers a true February trail experience.

Why Run WTF East?

• Half Marathon & 5 Mile options: Distances that fit both new and experienced trail runners

• Run or ruck divisions: Growing ruck division alongside traditional running categories

• Unpredictable winter trail conditions: Snow, slush, ice, or mud—it’s all part of the adventure

• Late start time: Sleep in and let the temps rise before hitting the trails

• Memorable swag: Earn a WTF hoodie and medal designed to celebrate your grit

• Community atmosphere: Share miles, laughter, and post-race stories with fellow winter warriors

• WTF + STFU Trail Series: Combine Winter Trail Fest East with Summer Trail Fest Ultra (50K, Half Marathon, 5 Mile) in June to earn connecting medals and save 15% when registering for the bundle

This is more than a winter race—it’s a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigan’s wild February trails. Sign up for Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon or 5 Mile and discover why so many runners and ruckers come back year after year.

Triathletes throughout Michigan have long considered the Island Lake State Recreation Area, home of the Island Lake Triathlon, an epic training destination, ideal for any athlete preparing for a multisport event. Set within a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an “up north” experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in with a paved road of rolling hills weaving throughout. You’ll swim the clear waters of Kent Lake, bike the park’s rolling, tree-lined hills, then run the panoramic final leg towards the lakeside finish line!

Island Lake Tri features 7 different events:

Olympic Triathlon — 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike, 6.2-mile run

Sprint Triathlon — 750-meter swim (32 lengths in a standard metric pool), 12-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run

Mini-Sprint Triathlon — 400-meter swim (16 lengths in a standard metric pool), 12-mile bike ride, 1.5-mile run

Olympic Aquabike (swim bike done) — 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike ride

Sprint Duathlon (run bike run) — 1.5-mile run, 12-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run

Olympic Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete our Olympic Triathlon together

Sprint Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete our Sprint Triathlon together

Certification

USA Triathlon Official Sanctioned Event

Course

Please note that in the interest of safety, all courses are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the race director.

OLYMPIC BIKE COURSE

OLYMPIC RUN COURSE

SPRINT AND MINI SPRINT BIKE COURSE

SPRINT RUN COURSE

MINI SPRINT RUN COURSE

Post-Race Party

Stick around post race for food and festivities! Our Epic staff and volunteers will be cooking up pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more for race participants.

Zero Waste Policy

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Visit https://happyplanetrunning.com.

→ Read the Island Lake Tri sustainability report here!