Falcon Trail Fest

 Date: Saturday and Sunday Sept. 26-27, 2026 with registration opening on January 31/26!  Follow our  Instagram page for the most up-to-date information 

Distances: Saturday - Classic Up and Down short course 8k and long course 16k.

Sunday - Loop the Lake Marathon and The Better Half 28k.

You can also register for races BOTH days taking on the Full Flight (16k and Marathon)  or the Half Flight (8k and 28k)! 

Location: Falcon Ridge Ski Hill, Whiteshell Provincial Park with parking in the ski hill lot. 

It would be an understatement to say we were excited when Falcon Trails asked us to organize an event on the Onishkatoon Gwaykaadiziwin trail at the east end of Falcon Lake to the TCT on the north side,  completing a loop around Falcon Lake on some of the best trails in Manitoba. After a number of adventures on the trail and hours of scheming with Dave Ternier, Co Race Director for the event, Falcon Trail Fest was born!  The goal is to create more than a race but rather a celebration of the outdoors, the beautiful new trail, and the amazing run community. 

Registration 

Early Bird Entry Fee 2026:           

      -Half Flight  (8k Saturday, 28k Sunday) $200 CDN plus tax and service fee

      -Full Flight (16k Saturday, Marathon Sunday) $225 CDN plus tax and service fee

     -Up and Down 8k $90.00 CDN plus tax and service fee 

     -Up and Down 16k $100.00 CDN plus tax and service fee

     -28km $125.00 CDN plus tax and service fee

     -Marathon $150.00 CDN plus tax and service fee

    Whats included

     -Custom finisher awards for each distance 

     -Custom Falcon Trail Fest race swag

     -Professional race-day photography

     -Top 3 finisher awards

     -Safety Services on site

     -Donation made to the South Whiteshell Trail Association 

     -Stocked aid stations with AMAZING volunteers!

     -Collect UT of MB points

     -Collect UTMB index points

    Indigenous and Elite Runners:

      -If you are either an elite or Indigenous runner, please email use at:   trailsoftoba@gmail.com as we are reserving a limited number of reduced cost spots.   Proof of ancestry or performances may be required. 

  The following outline is for general information only,  it is not  intended to be a navigational guide.   Anyone that uses it as such, does so at their own risk.  The course will be marked with marker flags and directional signs the day of the event.

All races distances start and finish at Falcon Ridge Ski Hill near the chalet. 

Classic Up and Down 8km/16km (two loops)

Date: Saturday Sept. 26/2026

Gain/Loss: 270m for the 8k and 540m for the 16k

GPX: Classic Up and Down

Strava Route: Classic Up and Down

The course starts beside the chalet at Falcon Ridge Ski area.  The Up and Down route utilizes the ski hill with the first section of the race being run off trail (it will be mowed and flagged for race day) climbing and descending various sections of the hill making your way to the east.  After the onslaught of vert you will eventually end up on a section of the 5 of diamonds trail, with some fun slab running and the usual rocks and roots you expect on the Canadian Shield!  From there we route you on some winter trails (again will be marked and mowed for race day) until you hit the beautiful slabby and steep Pine Ridge Trail.  After 1.3km you will turn right and hit the cruise-y High Lake Trail that takes you all the way home to the finish line for all you 8k runners.  For the 16k crew, now its is time to stock up at the aid station and get ready for a second lap of leg burning vert! 

The Better Half 28k 

Date:  Sunday Sept. 27/2026

Gain/Loss: 620m

GPX: The Better Half 28k Course Route

Strava Route: The Better Half 28k Course Route

 The Better Half 28k is an out and back course run almost entirely on the new connector trail around the east end of Falcon Lake!  The race starts beside Falcon Ridge Chalet and follows the most direct route to the East Perimeter Trail/Trans Canada Trail around the east end of Falcon Lake.  The route takes you along some stunning vistas of Falcon Lake along with beautiful forest and massive cedar groves while getting some serious vert.  You roll into the aid station for a refuel at 14k then make your way back the way you came to take in the views again!  The new trail is an absolute stunner you aren't going to want to miss it. 

Loop the Lake Marathon

Date: Sept. 27/26

Gain/Loss: 592m

GPX: Loop the Lake Marathon course route 

Strava Route: Loop the Lake Marathon course route

As the name suggests, this is a looped course that circumnavigates Falcon Lake.  The route starts with the 28k runners following the most direct path to the east end connector trail.  It takes you through the entire new connector getting the full experience, with the dramatic viewpoints over Falcon Lake, the beautiful forest and groves of cedar trees along with some legitimate Manitoba switchbacks!  

You will continue on the North Shore Trans Canada Trail on some runnable double track all the way into Falcon Lake town-site.  From there you take the Marshes trail passed the marina and follow the South Shore Trail all the way to High Lake.  Here you will make your way across Tegan's Connector to the High Lake Trail until you reach Top of the World, a gnarly technical gem with some great views! Once you finish Top of the World you will hop on a connector trail, run down Straight Up and make your way to the finish line! 

Loop the Lake Marathon

     Men - 

     Women - 

The Better Half 28km

     Men - 

     Women - 

Up and Down 16k

     Men - 

     Women - 

Up and Down 8k

     Men - 

     Women - 

Half Flight

     Men - 

     Women - 

Full Flight

     Men - 

     Women -

Breai (8:00am - 8:20am)air of Altra shoes any time after 5:30pm, with the OFFICIAL shakeout happening at 6:30pm ahead of sundown Falcon Ridge Chalet.  Both events start at the same time with cutoff being 2:00pm for each. Podium awards will be handed out at approximately 1:00pm.

You can try out a pair of Altra shoes any time after 5:30pm, with the OFFICIAL shakeout happening at 6:30pm ahead of sunn

Come in, grab your bib and race swag,  and stock up on some last minute supplies!  Please note you still have to sign in race day but this is a MUCH faster process than picking up your bib. 

Friday Sept. 25

Altra Shakeout Run (5:30pm-7:30pm) at Falcon Ridge Ski Chalet 

You can try out a pair of Altra shoes any time after 5:30pm, with the OFFICIAL shakeout happening at 6:30pm ahead of   the fall sunset,  and is suitable for all abilities! 

Saturday Sept. 26 - Race Day 1!

Bib Pickup and Racer Check In (8:00am - 9:30am) Falcon Ridge Ski Chalet

Even if you picked your bib up earlier,  you must still sign in today.

Yoga with Kassy Bouchard (9:00am - 9:20am)

Get your body ready to run the Classic up and Down with a pre-run dynamic flow yoga with Kassy! Kassy is a passionate runner and owner of Winnipeg's Vivacity Fitness. This activity is complimentary for all FTF runners and while not required, if you have a yoga mat, please bring it. The class will take place at the start/finish area of FTF races. 

Classic Up & Down Race (10:00am - 2:00pm)

Mandatory pre-race meeting will take place at 9:45am for all 8 and 16km runners at the race start line locad at the lcon.  Both events start at the same time with cutoff being 2:00pm for each. Podium awards will be handed out at approximately 1:00pm.

 Indigenous Plant Walk with Jenna Vandal (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

Have you ever wondered about the natural world around you as you run through the forest and consider how it has sustained people for a millennia? Following the Classic Up & Down races, Métis naturalist Jenna Vandal will share her knowledge on the identification of plants and trees, their edible and medicinal uses, as well as their traditional names. What you will learn about the flora in the spaces you recreate is sure to inspire and deepen your appreciation of the wild places in which we play. This complimentary event is open to everyone: all FTF runners, volunteers, family, friends and spectators.

TRAILMIX by Falcon Trail Fest (7:00pm - 10:00pm)

Presented by Spruce Bev Co, you are invited to a casual space to gather around the fire, share stories, munch on some complimentary snacks and drinks, and meet new friends at our very first TRAILMIX by Falcon Trail Fest. This will be hosted behind the El’nor Lodge at the Hotel at Falcon Lake and is open to all runners and volunteers to enjoy some casual time with each other around the fire. If you play an instrument, please bring it as well and maybe we’ll have an impromptu jam session?! We have bigger ideas for this evening in future years, but we’ll start with this and see how things go!

 Bib Pickup + Racer Check In (7:30am - 8:30am)

Even if you picked up your bib at Big Sky earlier in the week, you must check in at our bib pickup the morning of the race. We need to know that you are there and starting the event.

Breathwork and Mobility (8:00am - 8:20am)

 For the Sunday morning pre-race prep at 8:00am, we are lucky enough to have Amy Houston get us race ready! Amy is a wellness coach, athlete, and passionate champion for community who believes movement is about more than performance—it’s about connection. Her love of nature has happily brought her to the trail running world. With a background in HYROX hybrid racing, yoga, and holistic wellness, she loves creating spaces where people feel grounded, supported, and inspired. Before the race, Amy will guide racers in breathing, stretching and visualization together before everyone heads out to chase their trail dreams and celebrate what their body is capable of. Want to know more about Amy? You can find her thoughts on insta @livingwithoutarecipe 

Altra Loop the Lake Marathon + Better Half (9:00am - 4:00pm)

A mandatory race meeting will take place at 8:45am for all 42k and 28k Marathon and Better Half racers. All racers must be at the start line for this important meeting. Both distances will begin at the same time for loads of day 2 race start line excitement! Podium awards + event weekend thank you’s will take place at approximately 2:00pm. Individual event distance podiums will be presented alongside overall Full Flight and Half Flight winners (based on combined times from both days).

The Classic Up and Down 16km race have one aid located at the start/finish area as the route is a two loop course.  There will be no aid station for the 8km race.  Aid stations will be stocked with Naak Salted Cucumber drink mix, XACT energy chews, water, fruid source bars, pickles, candy, some salty snacks, your usual trail running fair!

Loop the Lake Marathon

There will be a total of three aid stations with two being crew accessible.  

14km Toniata Crew Accessible with portable toilet.

24km Falcon Townsite Crew Accessible with drop bag and portable toilet.

35km High Lake NOT crew accessible, no toilet. 

The Better Half 28km 

There will be one aid station located at the turn around point at Tonita.  There will be no crew allowed for The Better Half Runners and no drop bags.

14km Toniata No Crew with portable toilet.

 Please remember, while you can cheer your friends on you are not  allowed to provide any other form of support or supplies, unless you are crew, and only at the start/finish aid station!

There will be a small festival grounds at the start/finish area.    You are more than welcome to pack a lawn chair,  bring a cowbell/cheering voice at the start/finish area. 

Please car pool if possible as parking is limited! 

The event is hosted at Falcon Trails Resort who have a number of lodging options on site!  Their accomodations do fill up fast so we HIGHLY recommend booking well in advance. 

The Hotel at Falcon located at the Falcon town-site is only short drive away from the event area.  They have a number of different accommodation options along with restaurants on site.

There are a number of other great options within a 30 minute drive of Falcon Ridge.  Check out the south region of Explore the Whiteshell for more options! 

Camping

There are a number of options in the area for camping with the closest being at Falcon Lake.  Check out the south Whiteshell camping options on Explore the Whiteshell for more details!  Manitoba Parks has not yet announced opening dates for reservations but check out their website here for details.