5K and 10K

Starting Line- both races 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.

Finish Line- both races finish in front of the Nature Center’s interpretive center. Water and split-timers will be plentiful on each course.

Awards- Sweatshirts will be awarded to each Class Winner in the 5K and 10K. Those classes are as follows based on age: 12 & under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and new this year 80 & up. Results posted (on site) and awards presented at ceremonies 30-45 minutes after the last runner finishes each race.

2K Fun Run

The 2K Fun Run will start at the Nature Center at 9:30 a.m. (or as soon as the last 10K runner finishes). The Overall Male and Female Winner (ages 12 and under) of the 2K Fun run will receive a race sweatshirt.

Into the Wild Running Series

The Apple Blossom Races are a part of the  Into the Wild Running Series, an optional opportunity for our runners to show their support to preserve and promote green spaces for all to enjoy.

Runners can be a part of the Into the Wild Running  Series by participating in any of the three events. Choose from the Apple Blossom Races on May 20 here at Carpenter Nature Center, Urban Wildland 5K or half marathon on July 28 at Wood Lake Nature Center, or the Mendota Bottoms Trail Run 5K or 10 mile on August 18 at Fort Snelling State Park.

The series participating fee is $25, and the proceeds go to support the unique mission of Carpenter Nature Center, Wood Lake Nature Center and Fort Snelling State Park. Register by by adding the fee to your cart as you check out of any of the event registration sites. If you can’t make it to one of the events, but would still like to support the efforts, you can still order the mug.