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 13, 2027, 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
Awards for top three overall males, females and non-binary in each distance. Awards for top three male and female age group placers. Age groups: 14 & under; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80+ Top 3 overall male and female Ruckers for the Half Marathon and 5 Mile. Ruckers will be weighed prior to the race. Ruckers under 150lbs must have a backpack with 20lbs, ruckers over 150Lbs must have a backpack with 30lbs Virtual participant
13.1 Miles: Hooded Sweatshirt
5 Miles: Hooded Sweatshirt
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.1 Miles | $69.00 | Mar 25 | May 30 |
| $78.00 | May 31 | Aug 30 | |
| $83.00 | Aug 31 | Oct 30 | |
| $88.00 | Oct 31 | Feb 13 | |
| 5 Miles | $49.00 | Mar 25 | May 30 |
| $55.00 | May 31 | Aug 30 | |
| $60.00 | Aug 31 | Oct 30 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 235 | 1:09:05 | 38:58 |
| 2025 | 215 | 1:08:35 | 39:55 |
| 2024 | 172 | 58:54 | 33:53 |
| 2023 | 164 | 59:12 | 35:47 |
| 2022 | 104 | 1:03:57 | 41:59 |
| 2021 | 202 | 57:52 | 34:58 |
| Year | Finishers |
|---|
Interested in this race?
| $65.00 | Oct 31 | Feb 13 |
Island Lake State Rec Area 6301 Kensington Rd Island Lake State Recreation Area Brighton, MI US 48116 This event will take place near the large beach access. This means there are plenty of parking spots near the race start line. On race day parking attendants and parking signs will help athletes with parking. This is a State park, so a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entrance or a one day fee will be charged.
Race Day: Saturday, February 13, 2027 Packet Pickup & Ruck Weigh In Opens: 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM Half Marathon Ruck Weigh In Closes: 10:10 AM Half Marathon Ruck & Half Marathon Early Start : 10:30 AM Half Marathon Pre Race Meeting: 11:20 AM Half Marathon Race Start: 11:30 AM 5 Mile Ruck Weigh in Closes: 11:40 AM 5 Mile Pre Race Meeting: 11:50 AM 5 Mile & 5 Mile Ruck Start: 12:00 PM Half Marathon Cut off at Mile 5: 12:56 PM Course Time Limit: 3:15 PM
| Median Time |
|---|
| Fastest Time |
|---|
| 2026 | 180 | 2:24:58 | 1:30:07 |
| 2025 | 156 | 2:44:34 | 1:54:34 |
| 2024 | 160 | 2:18:10 | 1:32:55 |
| 2023 | 167 | 2:15:12 | 1:29:22 |
| 2022 | 94 | 2:43:21 | 1:53:51 |
| 2021 | 228 | 2:21:44 | 1:24:43 |