Bluff Color Fest Trail Run
Date: October 18, 2025
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 17th or Saturday, October 18th.
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 8:15 am
The tenth 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 March 1, 2025 and will remain open until 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 16th. New this year is our “No Thrills Registration” which allows individuals to participate in the hike/runs without receiving a race incentive gift, a finishers medal or breakfast.
Pick Your Event!
- 5K Hike
- 5K Run
- 10K Run
- 10 Mile Run
- 13.1 Mile Run
Register Online starts March 1st – 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 or from from 6:30am – 7:30am on event day. If you’re running the 13.1 mile, please register on-site between 6:30am and 7:15am
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 the Thursday before the event. 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 Online – Click Here
Individual Events
Run and Hike
| 4/1-6/30 | 7/1-10/16 | 10/17 & 10/18 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Hike | $50 | $55 | $65 | |
| 5K Run | $60 | $70 | $80 | |
| 10K Run | $60 | $70 | $80 | |
| 10 Mile Run | $60 | $70 | $80 | |
| 13.1 Mile Run | $60 | $70 | $80 | |
| No Thrills | $35 | $40 | $50 |
No Thrills Registration allows participants to hike or run without receiving any of the additional race items. Participants will not get a race incentive gift, a finisher medal or breakfast.
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 Registration | Family Rate | Start Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $15 | N/A | 9:00 am |
Bib Pick-Up & Registration
Friday, October 17th 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 18th 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
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Island Campground
N650, 825th St., Hager City, WI 54014
(715) 222-1808
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Frontenac State Park
29223 County 28 Boulevard
Frontenac, MN 55026
(651) 345-3401
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Lodging
Country Inn & Suites
4275 US-61, Red Wing, MN 55066
(651) 388-9000
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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
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