Yankee Springs Winter Challenge
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Event overview
The Yankee Springs Winter Challenge takes place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Rd, Middleville, MI. Distances offered are:
- 50K
- 25K
- 10K
- 5K
Race fees include a crew neck sweatshirt or buff. Register by December 8 to be guaranteed a sweatshirt. Registration closes January 1. Cabins at the Long Lake Outdoor Center are not available for the winter race; there are nearby hotels including the Bay Point Inn and Gun Lake Casino. The finisher award for the winter race is a snow globe.
Course, aid, and services
The courses are rolling, mostly wooded single-track trails with lake views. The 5K, 10K, and 25K are single loops. The 50K consists of two laps of the 25K. Aid stations are located between 2 and 4 miles apart. There is one aid station on the 10K, three on the 25K (one of which is visited twice by 25K runners), and a start/finish aid station for 50K runners. Aid stations provide water, Gatorade, Coke, oranges, bananas, and a variety of sweet and salty snacks. Pacers are permitted for 50K runners on the second 25K loop; pacers must sign a waiver and are asked to step off the course before the finish line. A heated tent will be used for registration and post-race food. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.