Flying Acorn Trail Run
About the race
The Flying Acorn Trail Run takes place in the Squirrel Hills Trail Park alongside the town of Minnedosa, a community founded by four Métis families in the Little Saskatchewan River Valley.
Come and explore these fast and flowy trails, a mix of decades-old double track and newly constructed single track, with elevation and views that will both challenge and inspire you.
This is a very spectator-friendly event with a stunning new trailhead, a play area for children, and many spots along the trail to cheer on your favourite runner.
Race perks and finisher items
- NEW fully designed Flying Acorn race shirts by Headsweats for all runners
- Custom Flying Acorn finisher medal for every runner in all categories
- Awards for top three finishers in male and female categories
- Aid stations with good eats and hydrating bevies, including the Post Race Snack Shack with bevies and snacks
- NEW post race pizza for all runners
- NEW free professional race photos taken on-course, available to all racers post-event
- All members of MATR (Manitoba Association of Trail Runners) earn UT of MB points towards their annual total
First aid and aid stations
First aid is available at the event start/finish line and on call throughout the trail park.
Two aid stations with water, electrolytes, and plenty of snacks are placed on the 10k route, so runners have four opportunities to stop at an aid station if needed. 5k runners have access to an aid station at approximately the halfway point.
Participants with specialized dietary needs are encouraged to carry their preferred snacks for optimal fuelling.
Trail running for all
The 2025 Flying Acorn was a great event to start with if you have never done a trail race before. Many first-time trail racers had a lot of fun and are eager to return.
The course is very fast and fun for seasoned trail runners too.
Race bib pickup and racer meetings
Race bib pickup takes place at the Sunrise Credit Union Pavilion, located at the trail park trailhead, on both the Friday evening (7-8pm) and the morning of the race (starting at 6:30am).
A mandatory racer meeting takes place 15 minutes before each race start:
- 7:15 am racer meeting for the 7:30 am Half Marathon start
- 7:45 am racer meeting for the 8:00 am 10k start
- 8:30 am racer meeting for the 8:45 am 5k start
The course closes at 11:30 am, and all runners in all events must be finished by this time.
Race directors
Ryan Lamont and Dave Ternier have teamed up to bring you Flying Acorn.
Ryan Lamont has been a runner, triathlete, and cyclist for many years and lives for the outdoors. He has run the Canadian Death Race, Boston Marathon, and Squamish 50k, among many other races.
An avid mountain biker and trail runner, Dave Ternier has been at the forefront of trail development, community building and trail events across Manitoba.
Trail Sisters Approved standards
Flying Acorn is Trail Sisters Approved, a program designed to support, enhance, and equalize women's experience in trail racing. Flying Acorn adheres to these standards:
- Equal podiums and awards
- Women's specific apparel
- Menstrual products at aid stations
- Women invited to the starting line
- A Pregnancy and Postpartum Policy offering a one or two year race deferral or a full refund in the case of a planned or unplanned pregnancy, or an expected or unexpected start or end to a pregnancy
Headphones
Over-the-ear headphones are not permitted due to communication requirements and the busyness of the trails. One earbud is permitted, not two.
The course
Half Marathon
10K
5K
The course uses a mix of decades-old double track and newly constructed single track in the Squirrel Hills Trail Park. The 10k is mostly grass double track in its first half and dirt single track in its second half. The Half Marathon runs the 10k route twice.
Cupless event and water bottles
Please bring your own water bottle. This is a cupless event.
Location
Squirrel Hills Trail Park, Minnedosa, MB, Canada Open in Google Maps
City insight: Minnedosa
Minnedosa is a town in southwestern Manitoba, Canada, located 50 kilometres (32 miles) north of Brandon on the Little Saskatchewan River. Its name comes from the Dakota language and means "flowing water," and it had a population of 2,741 at the 2021 Canadian Census. Summers are warm and winters are long and very cold, so late spring and early autumn are generally the best seasons for running or racing.
Know from the athletes
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