Apple 
Blossom Races
May 21st, 2017
For over 30 years, runners of all abilities have flocked to the St. Croix Valley to support CNC. What better way to celebrate spring than a day at CNC running, walking and supporting environmental education. This family friendly race has a distance and speed for everyone.
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. the half marathon is a challenging and hilly route past many of the St. Croix Valley apple orchards.
The 10K follows CNC’s savannah trails.
There is a 5K run/walk straight down St. Croix Trail.
Bring your kids for the FREE 2K Fun Run following the other races at approximately 11 a.m.
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5K, 10K, and 1/2 Marathon
Starting Line- 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.
Finish Line- All 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, 10K and ½ Marathon. 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. Medals will be given to all half-marathon finishers. 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 11:15am or as soon as the last half marathon 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
New this year! – 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.
After you register for the Apple Blossom Races you only need to register for one other race in the series to be eligible to purchase the Into the Wild Race jacket. Choose from the Urban Wildland 5K or half marathon on July 29 at Wood Lake Nature Center, or the Mendota Bottoms Trial Run 5K or 10 mile on August 19 at Fort Snelling State Park.
Register for at least two of these three races, then sign up at http://www.intothewildseries.com to join the series. A portion of each series participant fee will go to protect Carpenter Nature Center, Wood Lake Nature Center and the trails at Fort Snelling State Park.
In order to make registration convenient for all runners, we offer multiple registration methods:
Pre-registration*
Online:
To pre-register online, please visit http://www.active.com/hastings-mn/running/distance-running-races/apple-blossom-races-2017
Tip: You can access the Apple Blossom Races page on active.com by using your mobile device to scan the QR Code to the left.
Select “Register Now” for the race you would like to enter, choose your category, complete the registration form, and submit online payment.
Print Form:
Click here for a printable registration form: 2017 ABR Registration Form
Mail form and payment to:
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S.
Hastings, MN 55033
*Pre-registration closes at midnight on May 15th so we will be able to get info to FrontRunner in a timely manner. We highly recommend pre-registering online.
Day-of-registration
Click here for a printable registration form: 2017 ABR Registration Form
You may print out the registration form and bring it with you on Sunday to speed up your day-of registration. Forms will also be available at Carpenter Nature Center for day-of registration.
Additional Registration Information
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 $32 ($40 after May 9th.) For the 1/2 Marathon the fee is $42.00 ($50 after May 15th.) 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.
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.
Apple Blossom Races are some of the most scenic, but challenging races in Minnesota. Make sure you’re prepared by following these training programs!
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.
This event would not be possible without the support of generous donors. Please consider sponsoring this event! For more information, contact Glen Hill.
Glen Hill, Development Director
Glen@carpenternaturecenter.org
Phone: 651-437-4359
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our 2017 sponsors:
