Race Information

Bluff Color Fest Trail Run

Date: October 19, 2024

The Location Description & Course

This race will be run in beautiful Red Wing MN. This time of year the leaves are changing and there is no better place to see them than running through the trees and looking out over the Mississippi River Valley.

The event is held on Memorial Bluff featuring pathways through open pristine prairies, closed forest glades, and tight single track climbing a challenging sandstone ridge.

Event Details 

This event is produced by Friends of the Bluffs and Ipsity, Inc.

This year we will be offering a 5K hike, 5K, 10K, 10 mile and 13.1 mile runs. The 10 & 13.1 mile runs will be held on a loop with aid station(s).  

Pre register online or register in person on Friday, October 18th or Saturday, October 19th.

Race Start Times

10 & 13.1 mile runs will start at 7:45 am.

10K run will start at 8:00 am

5K run will start at 8:10

5K hike will start at 8:20 am

Maps

Garmin .GPX Course Map – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/108573491

More detail information can be found in our welcome post.

The ninth annual Bluff Color Fest events feature the best sections of the Red Wing bluffs.  This event is perfect for runners looking to get away from the roads, it is a great introduction event for trail running. The trail has wide, grass covered, level surface and the single-track is smooth, fast with some steading climbing and steady descending.  Run it or cover your favorite distance at a recreational pace.  Either way, this event has a great, friendly vibe, wonderful fall colors and amazing community feel.

Registration


Online registration will open on February 1, 2024 and will remain open until 9:00 pm on Thursday, October 17th. New this year is our “No Thrills Registration” which allows individuals to participate in the hike/runs and receive a finisher medal.

Pick Your Event!

  • 5K Hike
  • 5K Run
  • 10K Run
  • 10 Mile Run
  • 13.1 Mile Run

Register Online – Click Here

Register Online until 5:00 pm on Thursday prior to the event.  Register in person at the Mississippi National Golf Club from 4pm – 6pm on the Friday prior to the event and at the trailhead from 6:30am – 7:30am on event day.  If you’re running the 13.1 mile, please register on-site between 6:30am and 7:00am

If you run out of time to register online, download our registration form and bring it to the registration area in the lower level of Mississippi National Golf Course.  We will have them available for the participants with great penmanship.

All events start and finish near the Mississippi National Golf Course  located off of Highway 61 on Golf Links Drive in Red Wing, MN.  The exact location is 44.553982, -92.491190

Participants may transfer their entry from one Trail Run event to another at any time until 6pm on October 4th.  No refunds will be given if changing to a shorter event.  All requests will be charged a $15 processing fee plus any increase in race fees, if applicable.  To make a race change please email [email protected]

Register Offline – Click Here

Individual Events


Run and Hike

 2/1 – 6/307/1 – 10/1710/18 & 10/19
 5K Hike $45 $50 $60
 5K Run $50 $60 $75
 10K Run $50 $60 $75
10 Mile Run $50 $60 $75
 13.1 Mile Run  $50 $60 $75
No Thrills $30 $35$40 

No Thrills Registration allows participants to hike or run and receive a finisher medal.
Race incentive gift and breakfast are not included.

A meal ticket will be given to anyone that registers a week prior to the event.  The meal ticket holds value and if it is lost, another ticket can be purchased for $15 in registration.

Other Events

 Day Of RegistrationFamily RateStart Time
Breakfast $15 N/A 9:00 am
Each participant will get a meal voucher at no additional cost.

Bib Pick-Up & Registration


Friday, October 18th from 4pm – 6pm at Mississippi National Golf Links Clubhouse – Lower Level

  • Race Day Registration – Registration for individual races is available
  • We suggest all 13.1 mile participants pick up your bib on Friday due to the early start time of 7:45am

Saturday, October 19th from 6:30am – 7:30am at Mississippi National Golf Links Clubhouse – Lower Level

  • Race Day Registration – Registration for individual races is available
  • We suggest all 13.1 mile participants pick up your bib on Friday due to the early start time of 7:45am

Travel and Lodging


The Bluff Color Fest start and finish at Mississippi National parking lot located a mile from downtown Red Wing, MN.  Driving distance from Minneapolis/St. Paul 1:15.

Camping


Hay Creek Valley Campground
31655 MN-58, Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 388-3998
<<view info>>

Island Campground
N650, 825th St., Hager City, WI 54014
(715) 222-1808
<<view info>>

Frontenac State Park
29223 County 28 Boulevard
Frontenac, MN 55026
(651) 345-3401
<<view info>>

Lodging


Country Inn & Suites
4275 US-61, Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 388-9000
<<view info>>

St. James Hotel
406 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 388-2846
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Treasure Island Resort & Casino
5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089
(800) 222-7077
<<view info>>