Missing Link Spring Challenge
The Missing Link Spring Challenge is a weekend of camping, running, and hiking on the amazing trails of Glacial Lakes State Park in Starbuck, MN (about 2 1/2 hour drive from Minneapolis). The Missing Link Challenge is put on by the Missing Link Running Club, a trail and ultramarathon running group based out of Minneapolis. This is not a timed event and there is no set course for running. You can come to run, hike, bike on the nearby Glacial Ridge Bike Trail, or just hang out with a fun group of folks who enjoy being outdoors.
Camping is included Friday and Saturday nights at the group campsite. There is plenty of room to spread out and set up tents. Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) is not provided. If you need camping gear, we can help you find some to borrow or rent. There is a large covered pavilion in the campsite with a fire pit. There are a very limited number of shared electric outlets in the pavillion. Water availability at the campsite is dependent on when the park is able to turn the water on. Water is always available near the park entrance. There are outhouses at the campsite. Showers are available for a fee in the main campground. The swimming beach is a short walk from the group campsite. All participants must have a state park pass, which you will need to purchase on your own.
It's important to Missing Link for our group to be excellent stewards of and visitors in this beautiful natural environment. If you're not familiar with MN state park rules, make sure to check them out here before arriving.
You are welcome to stay both Friday and Saturday nights or to come out just for the day on Saturday. Please let us know when you register when you will be showing up / leaving. On Friday, you can show up anytime after 5p.
We will have a limit of 50 people this year. Kids and non-runners are welcome, but anyone who will be hanging out or camping in the campsite must register as well as the 50 person limit is the total limit for the campsite.
The registration fee should not stand between anyone and coming to this event. If the cost is prohibitive for any reason or you have any questions about the event, please contact the event director.
Friday
On arrival, just follow the signs to the Group Campsite. Friday there will be no food provided, so either plan to eat before arriving or bring food with you. There will be a camp stove that you can use to cook if you need.
Saturday
On Saturday, there will be an ultramarathon style aid station all day at the campsite. We will post times at which hot food (pancakes, grilled cheese, soup, etc.) will be available. Standard fare including sweet and salty treats, soda, PB&J will be provided and will be self-serve throughout the day. If you have any special dietary considerations please either talk with the event director or make sure to bring what you will need.
Activities for Saturday are choose your own adventure. There are multiple loops that you can do on trails directly from the camp site. You can go on your own, or hop on a train with others throughout the day. If biking is more your speed, there is also access to the Glacial Ridge Bike Trail from the State Park. If laying in a hammock is your style, there are plenty of trees!
We will finish out Saturday with a communal dinner with veggie and meat options as we hang out around the fire.
Sunday
There will be pancakes provided on Sunday morning to get a bit of sustenance before packing up and heading out, you must be out of the campsite by 12p.
Event's current local time: 9:48 PM CT
