Winter Trail Fest West – Half Marathon & 5 Mile Trail Race in Middleville, Michigan

Some call it the Winter Trail Fest. Others just think, “What the F…?!”

Join us on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Middleville, MI for Winter Trail Fest West Half Marathon and 5 Mile trail race. This winter race is known for its unpredictable conditions—snow, slush, ice, or mud—and the famous river crossing that takes “winter trail challenge” to another level. If icy water isn’t your thing, you can skip it with a short .25-mile detour, but either way, you’ll earn every step of your WTF hoodie, medal, and bragging rights.

WTF West begins with a Noon start, giving you a chance to relax in the morning before testing your grit on the trails. The Half Marathon course features rolling hills and rugged singletrack, while the 5 Mile distance offers a fast, fun taste of winter racing. Both distances welcome runners and ruckers, making WTF West one of Michigan’s few winter trail races to feature a dedicated ruck division.

This race is perfect motivation to keep training through the winter months. Signing up for WTF West means having a goal to keep you moving when the weather makes most people stay inside. The gnarlier the conditions, the cooler the participants—and at WTF West, you’ll never forget the experience.

 
Why Run WTF West?

• Half Marathon & 5 Mile options: Choose the distance that fits your winter goals
• Run or ruck divisions: A growing ruck community side by side with runners
• Unpredictable winter trail conditions: Snow, slush, ice, mud—sometimes all in one race
• Noon start time: Sleep in and let the temps warm up before you hit the trails
• River crossing option: Test your grit or bypass with a short detour
• Swag you’ll live in: Earn the custom WTF hoodie and medal every finisher loves
• Community atmosphere: High-energy volunteers, bonfires, and post-race stories to share
• WTF + STFU Trail Series: Race Winter Trail Fest plus Summer Trail Fest Ultra (50K, Half Marathon, 5 Mile) in June to claim connecting medals and save 15% with the bundle
   

This is more than a winter race—it’s a celebration of grit, unpredictability, and Michigan’s late-February trails. Sign up for the Winter Trail Fest West Half Marathon or 5 Mile and find out why runners and ruckers come back year after year.