Lost In The Woods

Lost In The Woods, an off-trail adventure race inspired by the legendary Barkley Marathons but tailored for the rolling landscapes of Southern Minnesota, invites runners seeking something beyond the ordinary. This revival of Scott Rassbach’s original "lost in the woods 50K" aims to provide a unique and challenging experience within the Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area - North Star Unit.
Participants will embark on a prescribed route through dense forests filled with natural obstacles such as downed trees, rocky paths, grassy underbrush, thorny vegetation, and burning nettles. The course is unmarked and requires navigational skills; runners must rely on maps provided the day before to find hidden books scattered along the way. Each book contains a page that corresponds to your bib number, which you will tear out as proof of completion for each loop.
Each 5-mile loop includes crossing a creek twice, ensuring participants stay prepared for wet conditions and potential tick encounters. Despite the flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, the course is designed to test endurance through challenging navigation and relentless off-trail running. The race consists of five loops under strict time cutoffs; finishing all five earns an official completion.
Runners are advised to study their maps thoroughly before race day as no copies will be available at the start line. Long pants and sleeves, a compass for navigation, and waterproofing your map are highly recommended given the dense foliage and unpredictable weather conditions.
For those under 18 interested in participating, parental permission must first be granted via email due to safety considerations. The event is not intended for children but may appeal to experienced teenage runners who enjoy challenging outdoor adventures.
Lost In The Woods offers a rare blend of adventure and self-reliance, appealing to seasoned trail runners looking for an unconventional race experience.