Dear Superior Spring Trail Race Runners, Spectators, Volunteers and Partners,
As of today the Superior Spring Trail Race will be taking place on the Superior Hiking Trail out of Caribou Highlands Lodge on Lutsen Mountain as planned on Saturday May 17, 2025.
As most of you know there are wildfires burning in northeast Minnesota. The Jenkins Creek Fire and the Camp House Fire are on the border of St. Louis and Lake Counties. The far eastern edges of these fires are approximately 55 miles southwest of Lutsen, which is located in Cook County, and where the Superior Spring Trail Race is held. While these fires are significant, there is little threat of them spreading to Lutsen, that would be extraordinary to say the least. So far, the air quality in Lutsen has not been bad, although participants should monitor this for themselves as we approach race day, and make appropriate decisions regarding their participation based on their own unique health profiles. We have been in close contact with all of our permitting agencies including the United States Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Superior Hiking Trail Association, along with the Cook County Sheriff and EMS / Search & Rescue. With the fires being far enough away, Cook Counties resources / capacity are largely unaffected. They have indicated to us that they are able to respond as normal should there be any kind of an emergency associated with the race, and that an emergency call from the race would not put undue strain on the system.
The MNDNR fire danger rating is currently listed as ‘extreme’ in northeast Minnesota, and there are ‘red flag warnings’ throughout much of the state. Based on this we would like to make the following suggestions to those visiting the north shore for the race this coming weekend;
• While there is currently not a campfire ban, please consider forgoing a campfire where you are camping or lodging, especially if we do not get the rain that is in the forecast. Caribou Highlands Lodge, our race host / start and finish, has banned campfires on their property until further notice.
• 25K & 50K runners, if your crew is coming out to cheer for you at the Oberg or Sawbill trailheads / aid stations, please ask them to turn off their engines as soon as they park / do not sit and idle.
• If anyone you travel with is a smoker, ask them to carefully manage their refuse.
The forecast is calling for rain starting Wednesday night, so hopefully this will help with the fires that are already burning while reducing the risk of new ones igniting. Our thoughts and prayers are with those fighting the fires, those that have lost homes and cabins, and with communities that are being threatened and impacted by the fires.
Thank you all for your time. Should it be warranted, I will provide additional updates.
We are looking forward to seeing you all this weekend for a fun day on the trails, please travel safely!
Sincerely,
John Storkamp
Race Director
Superior Trail Race
[email protected]