Please Note: We have new info that the Hastings Bridge construction will NOT take place the weekend of the race.

Celebrate spring with Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center’s Apple Blossom Races. The 5K uses all paved surfaces, walkers are welcome on the 5K only. The 10K uses some of the same route but breaks off and follows almost 4 miles of the Nature Center’s trail system overlooking the St. Croix River. Some of the trails are not paved. The hilly 1/2 Marathon follows some local roadways near the Nature Center and passes many of the area’s apple orchards that promise to be at or near full bloom.

Training schedules

5K Training Schedule

Half Marathon Training Schedule

General Information

The 5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon all start at 8:00 a.m. at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, 3 miles north of the Nature Center on County Road 21. Arrive early, park and register at Carpenter Nature Center then enjoy a chauffeured ride to the starting line. Water, portable toilets, route maps, starting instructions and complimentary clothing check available at the start. All races finish in front of the Nature Center’s interpretive center. Water and split-timers will be plentiful on each course. The 2K Fun Run will start at the Nature Center at 11:15am or as soon as the last half marathon runner finishes.

Registration

The Registration Area will be located in Carpenter Nature Center’s parking lot. All parking is at the Nature Center with rides furnished to the start area. Fee for the 5K & 10K is $30 ($40 after May 13th.) For the 1/2 Marathon the fee is $40.00 ($50 after May 13th.) The first 600 registrants for 5K, 10K, or 1/2 Marathon are guaranteed a T-shirt on Race Day. Additional T-shirts will be available at a later date. 2K registration is free without T-shirt, $10.00 with a T-shirt.

Online registration is closed

Pre-registration closes at midnight on May 13th so we will be able to get info to FrontRunner in a timely manner. We highly recommend pre-registering online.

You may still print out the registration form and bring it with you on Sunday to speed up your day-of registration. Forms will aslo be available at Carpenter Nature Center for day-of registration. For a printable registration form, click here This will open a new browser window which will contain the registration form to print. If you have questions not answered on this web page please call CNC at 651-437-4359

Reminder – register and pick up your race bib and timing chip at Carpenter Nature Center. These will not be available at the starting line. You will be bussed up to the starting line.

Awards

Sweatshirts will be awarded to each CLASS WINNER in the 5K, 10K and ½ Marathon. The overall male and female winner (ages 12 and under) of the 2K Fun run will receive a race sweatshirt. Results posted (on site) and awards presented at ceremonies 30-45 minutes after the last runner finishes each race.

Medals will be give to all half-marathon finishers.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Environmental Education curriculum at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center.

Call us at (651)437-4359 with any questions.

Looking for a place to stay the night before the race? The Country Inn of Cottage Grove, MN is offering a 10% room discount to runners which includes a hot complimentary breakfast in the morning. Also, the Afton Inn is offering 10% off any jacuzzi room for runners staying there that weekend.

Please thank and support our sponsors