Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside
About this race
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 celebrate your grit
- Community atmosphere: Share miles, laughter, and post-race stories with fellow winter warriors
- WTF + STFU Trail Series: Combine Winter Trail Fest East with Summer Trail Fest Ultra (50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, 5 Mile) in June to earn connecting medals and save 15% when registering for the bundle
This is more than a winter race—it’s a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigan’s wild February trails. Sign up for Winter Trail Fest East Half Marathon or 5 Mile and discover why so many runners and ruckers come back year after year.
Pick your distance
Running
Half Marathon
5 Mile
Half Marathon - Economy Package
If you want to run the race, but don't want the finisher's medal, custom race bib, or race hoodie, select this option!
5 Mile - Economy Package
If you want to run the race, but don't want the finisher's medal, custom race bib, or race hoodie, select this option!
Half Marathon - Virtual
Aren't able to participate with us in person? Join the fun virtually and receive a race medal and shirt!
5 Mile - Virtual
Aren't able to participate with us in person? Join the fun virtually and receive a race medal and shirt!
Half Marathon Ruck
Ruckers are hiking with a weighted ruck sack or weight plate carrier and will be weighed prior to the race. Ruckers Under 150 lbs must have a backpack with 20 lbs Ruckers Over 150 Lbs must have a backpack with 30 lbs
5 Mile Ruck
Ruckers are hiking with a weighted ruck sack or weight plate carrier and will be weighed prior to the race. Ruckers Under 150 lbs must have a backpack with 20 lbs Ruckers Over 150 Lbs must have a backpack with 30 lbs
Half Marathon Early Start
This option is only for those who do not believe they can finish the race in the normal allotted time. Participants will not be eligible for awards. Due to starting ahead of the race there is a chance early aid stations will not be set up when individuals pass by depending on their speed.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 6 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Brighton, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 7:34 AM and sets at 6:04 PM local time (EST) in Brighton on February 13, 2027 — 10h 29m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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Results — Winter Trail Fest Half Marathon and 5 Mile - Eastside
Other races near Brighton
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
KDB Melanoma 5k Run/Walk
Michigan Monster Dash
Bunyan Battle 5K Run/Walk
Miles at the Moose
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Brighton
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Brighton 5K Races 9 races
- Brighton Half Marathons 3 races
- Brighton Running Calendar 2026 14 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 16 Brighton events
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