THE LAND

📍 The community trails in the Squirrel Hills Trail Park, within which Flying Acorn is taking place, are located on Treaty 2 Anishinaabe territory, the traditional lands of our neighbours to the north, Rolling River, a Treaty 4 nation. These lands are also part of the homelands of the Red River Métis.

WELCOME to FLYING ACORN at the SQUIRREL HILLS TRAIL PARK

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Flying Acorn, set in the beautiful 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 to hang out at, a play area for children, and many spots along the trail for you to cheer on your favourite runner!

TRAIL RUNNING FOR ALL

If the 2025 Flying Acorn taught us anything, it was that this is the PERFECT event to dip your toes in the water if you’ve never done a trail race before. Many first time trail racers couldn't believe how much fun they had and are eager to return! Whether you participate in the 5k presented by A&L Cycle, 10k presented by Westman Chiropractic Centre or the Half Marathon (21.1k), Flying Acorn is meant to be a joyful opportunity for runners to experience the thrill and joy of trail running. If you’re a seasoned trail running veteran, the course is very fast and fun with everything you love about having your feet fly down the trail.

COURSE DETAILS

The 5k course is about a 5.4k route with approximately 90m of elevation and follows the Perimeter Loop at the trail park, a loop that is made up of the Cenovus Energy Unity Trail and Les Métis Way.

The 10k course runs about 10.6 in length with ~190m of elevation gain. The first half of the course is mostly grass-surface double track with a few single track connector trails. The second half of the 10k is pure dirt single track magic (the above mentioned Perimeter Loop) with a gradual 2k uphill followed by a lightening fast 2k downhill before a 1k climb back to the trailhead.

The Half Marathon course will see runners completing the 10k route twice with an approximate elevation gain of 380m.

FLYING ACORN PERKS

-*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/female categories
- Aid stations with good eats and hydrating bevies, including the Post Race Snack Shack with bevies and snacks sponsored by Heritage Co-op!
- An amazing course in a beautiful trail park location
- Opportunity to discover new trails and connect with new friends
-*NEW* post race pizza for all runners, sponsored by Pizza Cabin!
- Great energy and good vibes with some of the best people…trail people!
- Conquer new personal goals and build your trail running confidence in a supportive environment where everyone is celebrated and lifted up for their achievements!
-*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.

RACE DETAILS

Race bib pickup will take 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 will take place 15 minutes prior to each race start:

- 7:15 am race meeting for the 7:30 am Half Marathon start
- 7:45 am race meeting for the 8:00 am 10k start
- 8:30 am race meeting for the 8:45 am 5k start

The course will close at 11:30 am and all runners in all events are required to be finished by this time.

First Aid will be available at the event start/finish line and on call throughout the trail park. Due to communication requirements, the busyness of the trails with passing and racer check-ins, over-the-ear headphones are not permitted, but one earbud is permissible (not two).

AID STATION SUPPORT

Two aid stations with water, electrolytes, and plenty of snacks have been strategically planned on the 10k route so that runners will have four opportunities to stop at an aid station if they require. 5k runners will have access to an aid station at approximately the half way point. Participants with specialized dietary needs are encouraged to carry their preferred snacks for optimal fuelling. *** Please bring your own water bottle. This is a cupless event.

MANITOBA RUNNERS ASSOCIATION

If you are a current 2026 MRA member in good standing, please use the coupon code MRA2026MEMBER for a $5 discount off any event at Flying Acorn. All MRA discounted registrations will be confirmed with the MRA member list prior to race day.

YOUR RACE DIRECTORS

Ryan Lamont and Dave Ternier are the dynamic duo that 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. Ryan has run the Canadian Death Race, Boston Marathon, and Squamish 50k among many other races. Ryan spends his time walking dogs for the humane society, volunteering at trail races, and adventuring with his two boys and wife, Whitney.

An avid mountain biker and trail runner, Dave Ternier has been at the forefront of trail development, community building and trail events across Manitoba. He has sat on various trail Boards and committees including Trails Manitoba, Valley Life Recreation, Bison Butte Trails and leads and has led planning for various events including Falcon Trail Fest, Ride Like Ole and Trail Talks, a provincial trails conference he founded with Trails Manitoba.

Event's current local time: 2:05 AM CT