First-Time 5K and 10K Trail Run Planned for St. Michael Community

A first-ever trail run in the St. Michael community encourages participants to "Become Run with Nature" in an effort to raise money for two charities.

"It has the potential to be a pretty big thing, and it's a great opportunity to give back," said organizer Roger Derham, who runs St. Michael's Minnesota Soccer Academy with Tom Dawson. The two came up with the idea for the run. They also operate the STMA United Soccer Club and the Minnesota Recreational Soccer League.

The 5K and 10K race is set for Saturday, June 15 at Crow-Hassan Park Reserve in Hanover, on the Crow River. It is the first trail run at that park, and is different than other 5K and 10K runs — it's entirely on a trail instead of a road. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the 10K at 9 a.m.

A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and the Minnesota Association of Chidren's Mental Health. "We wanted to put something together to benefit two organizations close to us and be able to give back," Derham said. "A trail run is a great way to do that."

The run, called the Trail Blazer, is a unique event in its timing — most runs don't happen in the summer, and in its location — on a trail, the two organizers explained.

"It fills a need — there's nothing else like this in the STMA community," Derham said.

The run is an option for those who want something in between a road 5K or 10K run and an extreme obstacle course.

"There's nothing in the middle," Derham said. "People are tired of running on the road with cars, and it's hard on their knees. And with crazy obstacle courses, there's no real place to practice. That's where we fill in that space."

The multi-terrain course includes gravel, rock, sand and mud. The location is also unique for a 5K or 10K course because of the scenery — the restored prairie and the chance to spot wildlife like deer, fox, coyotes, trumpeter swans, hawks, and bald eagles. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve is part of the Three Rivers Park District.

Derham came up with the idea of the location during his own run through the park. Participants can practice at the park which is "truly a beautiful park," he said.

Registration is open now — the price is $35 through Feb. 15. The price rises to $40 between Feb. 16 and April 15. April 16 to June 14 registration is $45. Registration on the day of the race is $55. Online registration is available any time at the 2013 Trail Blazer page.

Sponsors or volunteers interested in getting involved can contact Derham at stmacoach@gmail.com or Dawson at stmaunited@gmail.com .

"It's very new to the area, we really hope every STMA resident comes out," Dawson said. "The goal is, if this is a hit, we'll hit up every trail in Minnesota to have two next year."