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 inaugural Flying Acorn in the beautiful Squirrel Hills Trail Park, located alongside the town of Minnedosa, a community founded by four Métis families, in the Little Saskatchewan River Valley, south of Rolling River First Nation.
The Squirrel Hills Trail Park has just undergone $750,000 in development over the last 4 years of volunteer-led work by Valley Life Recreation and we could not be more excited to welcome you to this beautiful newly developed outdoor “playground” (the grand opening for the trail park takes place just 1 prior to this race event).
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!
A TRAIL EVENT FOR EVERYONE
Whether you participate in the 5k presented by A&L Cycle, 10k presented by Westman Chiropractic Centre or the Half Marathon (21.1k) presented by Sunrise Credit Union, Flying Acorn is meant to be a joyful opportunity for runners to experience the thrill and joy of trail running. If you’ve never done a trail race before, this is the perfect event to dip your toes in the water. If you’re a seasoned trail running veteran, we expect the course to be fast and fun with everything you love about having your feet fly across earth's natural surface.
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 little single track to connect things. 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.
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.
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.
Medical Assistance 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).
FLYING ACORN PERKS
- 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
- An amazing course in a beautiful trail park location
- Opportunity to discover new trails and connect with new friends
- 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!
- All members of MATR (Manitoba Association of Trail Runners) earn UT of MB points towards their annual total.
MANITOBA RUNNERS ASSOCIATION
If you are a current 2025 MRA member in good standing, please use the coupon code MRA2025MEMBER 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 for the past 4 years. He sits on various trail Boards and committees including Trails Manitoba, Valley Life Recreation, Bison Butte Trails and leads planning for various events including Ride Like Ole and Trail Talks, a provincial trails conference he founded with Trails Manitoba.
Event's current local time: 4:06 PM CT
