Outdoor recreation in the north woods doesn’t freeze as the snow falls and the temperatures drop—it heats up! A growing number of adventurous people are taking to the trails in cold weather with activities like skiing and snowmobiling, but all you really need are a good pair of shoes.
Winter trail running is an invigorating way to stay active during the colder months, and scenic trails make it an especially rewarding experience. Duluth boasts several multi-use trails in its picturesque parks, winding up and down the hills, meandering along river gorges and through quiet forests, leading to incredible views of the city and surrounding area.
For those with a competitive spirit (or who just want to join the fun), the Duluth Winter Trailrunning Series (DWTS) is an annual series of four beautiful and challenging winter races that run from December to February. The races take place at various locations throughout Duluth’s rugged landscape, including the popular trails of Chester, Hartley, and Lester Park.
“We started the race series in 2019 when we realized how fun running on the packed snow trails in Duluth are and we wanted to share it with people,” says Andy Holak, the DWTS race director. “We thought it was a great way to get people outdoors and having fun during the winter.”
Holak and his wife, Kim, are longtime residents of Duluth with an appreciation for the area and people there. In 2009, Holak developed Adventure Running Co. “Our primary activity is leading multi-day trail running tours all over the country and now even the world,” Holak explains. “Most of our tours are now lodge to lodge or inn based, but we still run a couple of camping tours as well.”
What started as a side gig eventually became a lifestyle, and Adventure Running Co. has been Holak’s full time job for the last five years.
“We’ve run tours in Minnesota, California, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, as well as our Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland,” Holak recalls. Another trip to Italy is planned for this spring, and Portugal in 2026.
“In addition to our tours and Winter Series, we’ve been directing Wild Duluth races since 2009,” Holak mentions, “…and this year we had over 1,000 runners for the two-day event.”
Trail running is more challenging than track style running because you have to maneuver around natural terrain, but it’s also rewarding. “I find trail running way more enjoyable and interesting,” Holak says, and explains how running trails in the winter can be even more fun because most of the roots and rocks are buried under packed, nicely groomed snow. “You don’t have to worry as much about turning an ankle.”
The groomed trails used in the DWTS races were also designed for fat tire bikes, and Holak works with the city of Duluth as well as the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) to ensure trails are re-groomed after the races into “as good or better shape than we started,” he says.
The trails are often already packed well, and grooming isn’t necessary. Runners are also advised to stay off trails on non-race days if the snowpack is soft and they sink in. “Potholes aren’t fun for anyone whether they’re running or biking,” Holak says.
Weather is another factor to consider, though it isn’t as much of a problem as you might think. “We run the races in all conditions and have never cancelled a race due to weather,” Holak explains. “We’ve had sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms, and sunny days and you never know what the weather will be like, which increases the challenge and fun.”
The most important thing to consider when it comes to winter trail running is dressing for the weather. “You can run in any conditions as long as you dress appropriately,” Holak says. “Wear layers, cover your face and any skin on brutally cold days, wear good gloves or mittens, and be sure to find shoes that keep your feet warm.”
Normal trail shoes often work fine and traction devices are only necessary on the iciest days. However, regular running shoes are designed with good air flow to keep your feet cool, so Holak recommends Gore-Tex or waterproof trail running shoes for really cold days, as well as a good pair of warm socks.
Conditioning and training for winter trail races isn’t much different than what one would do for a regular running race. Holak advises practicing running in winter conditions as that will help you figure out what clothing works best for you in different temperatures and get you used to the cold.
The DTWS races have already started, but it’s not too late to join the fun. The Northwoods Winter Marathon and Half Marathon take place in Lester Park on January 4, the Hartley Park 10K is on January 25, and the Frozen 4 Hour and 5K in Lester Park is on February 15. You can register up until the day before the race.
For more information and DWTS registration, visit: duluthwintertrailseries.com. To learn more about Holak’s other running opportunities, visit: adventurerunningco.com.
Grab your windbreaker, lace up your shoes, and let the trails of Duluth be your winter playground.
