Bleak Midwinter Endurance Run

The Bleak Midwinter Endurance Run returns to Springfield, Missouri on January 23rd, offering four different timed endurance events for runners of all levels. Participants can choose from a 12-hour run starting at 7 AM and finishing by 7 PM, a 6-hour option running from 7 AM until 1 PM, or shorter versions with the 3-hour event from 9 AM to noon and a one-hour race beginning at 9 AM sharp. The venue is Sac River Mountain Bike Trails located off Highway 13, three miles north of I-44 in Springfield.
Race morning on January 23rd will see runners gathering before dawn as they make their way towards the Sac River Mountain Bike Trails. Temperatures are expected to be chilly with a firm and slightly soft trail surface underfoot, providing both challenge and comfort for endurance athletes preparing to tackle the course’s technical terrain. As daylight breaks over the hardwood forests and small glades of this 300-acre park, runners will begin their journey along the 4.15-ish mile loop.
The Bleak Midwinter Endurance Run has been a staple in Springfield since its inception several years ago, drawing endurance enthusiasts from across Missouri and beyond to test themselves against the elements on one of Ozark Greenways' most scenic trails managed by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Each year, runners return not just for the challenge but also for the camaraderie and support that has made this event a local tradition.
The race course at Sac River Mountain Bike Trails features a 4.15-ish mile loop through rugged terrain marked with permanent signs along single-track trails that wind uphill initially before leveling out into rolling hills, descents, and flats. Runners will experience approximately 400 feet of elevation gain per lap as they navigate the rocky and root-strewn path in either a counterclockwise or clockwise direction after their first lap. Aid stations are strategically placed at the start/finish line where runners can find all necessary support including food, drinks, warmth, and supplies.
Weather conditions on race day will likely feature firm trail surfaces with slightly soft spots underfoot due to winter moisture retention in the forest floor. UV index is expected to be low (2.0) providing a comfortable level of sun exposure for outdoor activity without excessive risk of skin damage from sunlight. Temperatures should hover around freezing early morning, gradually warming up as daylight progresses.
The Bleak Midwinter Endurance Run offers four distinct options: 12 Hour | 6 Hour | 3 Hour | and 1 Hour runs