Mindy Creek Trails RacesAll race distances will start and finish at the Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls.The courses utilize a variety of trails throughout St. Croix Falls, offering a mix of technical sections, rolling hills, bridges, and easier stretches on both gravel and paved surfaces.Registration:Opens November 28, 2025, and closes August 25, 2026.No refunds.Total field limit: 150 runners (online registration only).Last year’s event sold out online — once the 150-runner limit is reached, only race-day sign-ups will be accepted
LocationPolk County Information Center710 S Highway 35 54024St. Croix Falls, WIThe Mindy Creek Trail Races start on the bike bath just above the Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls, WI, across the MN/WI border from Taylors Falls, at the SE corner of state highway WI-35 and US-8.Parking is in the Information Center lot. Please be considerate of other Center users. Start times: 7:00 a.m. Marathon. 7:05 Half marathon. 7:10 10k.
MarathonWHEN: August 29th 2026START TIME: 7:00 a.m.COURSE: You will run the half marathon course twice. Over 18 miles of single track.AID STATIONS: Full aid at miles 5, 9, 13, 18 and 22. Water only aid at miles 8 and 21.CUT OFFS: Finish time 7 hours. Must start 2nd loop at 3 hours and 15 minutes.DROP BAGS: At start/finish area only.AWARDS: Top 3 male and femalePRINTS: All Finishers will receive a full color 8.5 x 11 print of current year logoENTRY FEES: $40 on 11/28/25, $55 on Dec 2nd. $65 on July 1st until August 19th when online registration closes. $75 Race Day registration. Early Bird pricing will last to Dec 2nd or the first 50 combined runners are recieved .
Half MarathonWHEN: August 29th, 2025 START TIME: 7:05 a.m.COURSE: Lollipop shaped course. Over 9 miles of single track.AID STATIONS: Full aid at miles 5 and 9. Water-only aid at mile 8. CUT OFF: Finish time 5 hoursAWARDS: Top 3 male and female and masters (over 40)PRINTS: All Finishers will receive a full color 8.5 x 11 print of current year logoENTRY FEES: $35 on 11/29825, $50 on Dec 2nd. $60 on July 1st until August 19th when online registration closes. $70 Race Day registration. Early Bird pricing will last to Dec 2nd or the first 50 combined runners are recieved
10kWHEN: August 29th, 2025 START TIME: 7:10 a.m.COURSE: Out-and-back with 2 miles of single track, 2 miles of paved trail, 1 mile of gravel trail and 1 mile on grass trailAID STATION: Water-only aid at the turnaround.CUT OFF: Finish time 2 hoursAWARDS: Top 3 male and femalePRINTS: All Finishers will receive a full color 8.5 x 11 print of current year logoENTRY FEES:$25 on 11/28/25, $35 on Dec 1st. $40 on August 1st until August 25th when online registration closes. $45 Race Day registration. Early Bird pricing will last to Dec 2nd or the first 50 combined runners are recieved
Course Map
Refund PolicyDue to the costs involved in setting up and holding a race, which are incurred before race day, there are no refunds.Entries may not be transferred to another runner, deferred to another year, nor applied to another event.Thank you for your understanding.
General InformationMUSIC - No external music during the race. If you would like to have music, please use headphones. Respect your fellow runners and others at the park. AID STATIONS: Aid station fare will likely include water, Gatorade, soda pop, cookies, gummies, chips, salted nut rolls and pickles. Other items may be available as well.PACKET PICKUP: Race morning only. Please arrive early, so there is time for everyone to get their packets.BATHROOMS: Available in the Information Center and outdoor rest room building at the start/finish area.
Event's current local time: 3:20 AM CT
Welcome to The Hero Gravel Classic!
Come join us for an epic day of gravel biking in the Stillwater area and rural Washington county support Pedal Power Minnesota and The Little Bellas Mountain Bike Program. That's right, we are in our 3rd year of supporting kids on bikes! As if getting kids on bikes was not enough, we are also proud to be part of the Gravel 'Sota gravel series!
Right here on the outskirts of the MSP metro we have some terrific gravel. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to gravel biking, this event is perfect for all levels. The course features varied terrain and is relatively flat with a mixture of gravel and some pavement. Get ready to saddle up, bond with fellow riders, and experience some of our east metro gravel roads. Don't miss out on this great local opportunity to grind some gravel and support two great cycling causes - sign up now!
Our Location and Parking: We start and end at The Bavarian Hunter Gasthaus west of Manning Avenue in Stillwater. There will be plenty of free hayfield parking available on the east side of Lofton Avenue, across from the Gasthaus. Please follow the parking volunteers directions. Hungry after ride? Thirsty? How about a brat and beer on us? When you show up for registration you will receive a token for 1 free brat and beer in the Gasthaus Bier Garten. But wait, there's more….There will be live music on the stage all afternoon as well.
Courses to be published closer to event day, we will have 2 distances, a 50 and a 30 mile route. We are excited to host this event again after several years of success, register early, we are limiting participation to 250 riders. The Bavarian Hunter Gasthaus is planning on a great German after party for us. The ride event is hosted by Chilkoot Velo of Stillwater, we are an all discipline cycling club/team open to all levels. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pedal Power Minnesota and Little Bellas Mountain Biking. Please familiarize yourself with their missions. We are firmly committed to cycling opportunities for all and getting kids on bikes.
Gravel 'Sota participants will need to have a GPS track file (Strava, Garmin, etc) to show mileage participation. Please answer the registration questions accordingly.
Tell your friends about us and come have a great time riding and afterwards. We look forward to seeing this year and thank you for your continued support.
Ready to take on the BINGO Run challenge?
This race is a backyard-style event with a fun twist and a definite finish. The goal is simple: earn bingo and have the fastest lap time to wrap up your race. Each 2.6+ mile lap you complete in the 28 minutes or less you get to draw a bingo ball. Then, it’s back out with the group for the next loop. Loops will go off every 28 minutes. If you don’t complete your bingo by the 4th or 8th lap, you'll earn the infamous DNB (Did Not Bingo) status, but don’t worry, you’ll still get a time, distance, and competitor Woodle.
You’ll can choose between two bingo card options, depending on how much you want to run:
The 3x3 card will get you 7.8-13 miles depending on when you draw BINGO (Max Loops 5)
The 4x4 Card will get you 10.4 - 20.8 miles depending on when and if you draw BINGO (Max Loops 8)
You choose which card you want to sign up for.
Course and Location:
The race starts at the Sunfish Lake Parking Lot in Lake Elmo in the parking lot of the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center. The 2.6 mile trail loops around Sunfish Lake and will be marked with ACR arrows, but be aware of many offshoots and the fact that trails are open to the public. We do our best with signage. This is more single track style hiking trails.
Registration Information:
Register on the Runsignup page. Prices will increase on the following dates: 3/9/2025, 7/26/2025, and on race day 8/6/2024. Register early to get the best price.
Location and Parking:
The race starts at the Sunfish Lake Trailhead which shares a parking lot with Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center.
Packet Pickup:
Pre-race day packet pickup details are TBD; expect it to be one night the week before the race. Day-of packet pickup starts at 7 AM and includes your bib number, timing chip, and any event swag.
Race Schedule:
7:00 AM - Race Check-In & Day-of Registration opens
8:00 AM - Bingo Race Start
8:28 AM - 2nd Lap
9:24 AM - 3rd Lap
9:52 AM - 4th Lap (Final Lap for the 3x3 cards)
10:21AM - 5th Lap (4x4 only)
10:30AM - Awards for Bingo 3x3
10:49AM - 6th Lap (4x4 only)
11:17AM - 7th Lap (4x4 only)
11:45AM - 8th Lap (4x4 only)
12:00PM - Awards (time subject to change)
Aid Stations:
There will be water and light snacks at the Start/Finish line. Please bring your own water bottle to minimize waste, but a water refill station will be available at the start.
Timing and Results:
The Bingo Run is a gun-timed race using chips. Each runner must wear a race bib visible at all times, especially when crossing the finish line. Timing is based on a group start. Faster runners should start closer to the start line, while walkers should start near the back of the corral to prevent bottlenecking. Be considerate of other racers by stating when you are passing and moving to the right if your pace slows. Results will be posted on our Runsignup page, and QR codes will be available for immediate result checks at the finish line.
Awards and Prizes:
Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female finishers based on gun time.
Race Rules and Guidelines:
The trail is open to the public; please be courteous to pedestrians.
Pets are not allowed; the trail can get crowded.
Your bib must be visible at all times.
Post-Race Celebration:
The post-race celebration begins as soon as runners cross the finish line, featuring music and light snacks.
Spectator Information:
The best spot for spectators is at the starting line. There are a few spots along the trail where you can catch your runner and then cut across to see them again.
Safety Precautions:
The trails are open to the public; be cautious and courteous.
This is not a stroller-friendly course due to loose soil, mud, dirt, and hills.
No bikes are allowed in the race.
Please leave your pets at home.
Volunteers Needed:
Volunteers receive one free entry to a race of their choice within a year. We always need volunteers; we cannot run the races without you! Email us at [email protected] to volunteer.
Weather / Cancellation:
We know that August can be very hot and Athena Clydesdale Racing and its race directors reserve the right to cancel or delay the event in case of inclement weather. There are no refunds.
Join us for the annual Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k! A run local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Pacers for the half marathon
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
Half Marathon Registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!