Ultra Successes on a Premier Minnesota Trail
August 24, 2026
By guest Chaz Gallet, SHTA Volunteer and Medical Advisor
Runners at Rock Steady Running’s 2026 Superior Spring Trail Race, from Carlton Peak to Caribou Trail on May 16, 2026. Photo by Scott Rokis.
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) has become a much-endeared footpath for many over its 40-year history. There are many different types of Trail users including day hikers, dog walkers, casual joggers, birdwatchers, section hikers, thru-hikers, trail runners, and FKT (fastest known time) challengers. There are numerous organizations that host formal races, hike challenges, and group events on the SHT each year to support getting various user groups out on Trail. However, the most extreme events on the SHT are ultramarathons.
An “ultra” is generally any distance over the traditional 26.2-mile marathon. These intense trail runs are for those seeking both a serious mental and physical undertaking. During organized ultramarathon events, aid stations at strategic road crossings are an essential part of organizing a race and supporting ultrarunners. These temporary refuges are a much-needed oasis to the runners. They provide nutrition, re-hydration, assessment of medical needs, maybe a change of socks or shoes and, very importantly, emotional support and encouragement. A 100-mile ultra may deploy over 300 volunteers. Many volunteers staff multiple aid stations and may also endure long hours and weather challenges that come with the trail experience. The Superior Fall Ultra Race on the SHT is one of the 10 oldest 100-mile trail ultras in the USA!
There are also people who undertake ultras on the SHT that are not part of a formal event. For example, individuals who attempt fastest known time (FKT) challenges on the SHT, supported or unsupported. FKT challengers take on what is an extreme physical and mental quest. You might question their judgement to take on the feat of running all 300 miles as quickly as possible. The experience comes with sleep deprivation, spartan nutritional plans, and weather uncertainty. The SHT unsupported FKT record posted in 2025 stands at 5 days, 12 hours, 1 minute, and 56 seconds. FKT undertakings give new meaning to the phrase ‘personal determination.’
Did I mention that trail ultras, especially those on the Superior Hiking Trail, are a serious challenge?
As a racecourse, the SHT is dynamic. Unlike paved road races, participants running on the SHT will experience rugged terrain. The type of surface and treadway is known to change regularly, sometimes with each turn. First-timers to SHT are often surprised by its many altitude gains and losses. Traversing the woods and rocky character of northeastern MN requires boulder scrambling, water crossings, navigating rocks and roots, and occasionally, scooting over or around a downed tree. However, the magic of the Trail is captivating.
When running on a paved road, finding solitude and the experience of being immersed in nature is difficult with vehicles zooming past, countless signs, and the often-overwhelming stimuli of the human-built environment. For trail runners, much like hikers, there are rewards in the vistas and overlooks, wildlife sightings, seasonal color changes, unique terrain of each section, rivers and waterfalls, splendor and diversity of the fauna, and importantly, the benefits of rejuvenation and personal challenge.
The trail running community in Minnesota has a special love and appreciation for the SHT. The Trail is free to use, both for individuals and for groups hosting events. However, it takes a significant amount of volunteer power and member support to keep the Trail in good shape. Most large groups hosting events support the Trail through donations or volunteering (and let the SHTA know about the event through the large group trail notification form). Similarly, a considerable number of trail runners are volunteers and members. Trail runners and organizations who use the SHT understand the value of a well-established Trail as a resource and thus they give back in a way that benefits all trail users, regardless of speed or distance traveled.
The SHT serves as a place to explore for some and as a health and fitness improvement opportunity for others. Whether on a casual hike, or joining an organized “ultra” race, the experience each of us seeks on the Trail is unique and personal. Find the next challenge you crave somewhere on the SHT.