Flying Acorn Trail Run

06/11/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Minnedosa CDC + Tourism as a brand new sponsor of Flying Acorn! 🎉

For years, Minnedosa CDC + Tourism has been a passionate champion of the Squirrel Hills Trail Park and the many initiatives that make Minnedosa such a fantastic place to visit, live and explore. Since the very start of the Squirrel Hills Trail Park development and expansion project 5 years ago, they’ve worked alongside Life Recreation Inc. at every opportunity, doing anything possible to highlight the trails of this special park. We are so thankful that their support now continues on for events at the trail park.

Minnedosa CDC + Tourism’s partnership with Flying Acorn will help to ensure that runners are hydrated and fuelled for their runs through the on-course aid station. This aid station will serve the 10k and half marathon runners and will play a critical role in helping all of those athletes perform at their best.

Thank you Minnedosa CDC + Tourism for believing in Flying Acorn as we work together to bring an expected 200 trail runners to Minnedosa to discover what makes here so special! Together, we're inviting even more people to discover the trails, hospitality and natural beauty that make Minnedosa so memorable.

If you want to run Flying Acorn with us and Minnedosa CDC + Tourism, the countdown is on as very limited spots remain in each of the events! Registration can be found under “Flying Acorn” at the UltraSignup website.

06/10/2026

Drumroll please……. 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

And the name of WINNER for the free set of Brooks shoes from our friends at A&L Cycle is…in the video! 😁

We were so excited to have sooooo many names to draw from and want to send out a huge round of thanks to A&L Cycle and Brooks for helping us add a little excitement to Flying Acorn 2026! Limited spots are left in the race (with even more VERY limited shirts remaining up for grabs) so if you want in, find us on UltraSignup!

06/08/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (details below)

Flying Acorn 2026 is well underway to becoming another marquee event for Minnedosa and the Squirrel Hills Trail Park this summer! Thanks to all of the runners who’ve committed to come and spend some time in the incredible valley and trails of this beautiful area on the weekend of July 18th!

To support all of these runners, we are searching for volunteers in the following positions:

Friday night (July 17)
🎽 evening bib pickup (2 organized volunteers)
🚧 evening setup (4 awesome volunteers)

Saturday morning (July 18)
🎽 bib pickup and finish line timing (6 organized volunteers)
🎉 cheer squad (6 energetic volunteers)
🚘 parking attendants (3 organized volunteers)
🍉 aid station #1 at the trailhead (4 enthusiastic volunteers)
🍉 aid station #2 on course, near the Oak Tree Inn (5 enthusiastic volunteers)
🍕 post-race snack shack at the trailhead (3 kind volunteers)
🧹 sweeper/de-flagger (2 athletic volunteers)
🚧 tear down (6 amazing volunteers)

Times vary for each position, but the very last positions will be wrapped up during the noon hour that Saturday! Click here for full volunteer role descriptions and to signup. https://ultrasignup.com/volunteer.aspx?dtid=65980 (You may have to input your name, phone and email to see all tasks and descriptions.)

THANK YOU to all of the VOLUNTEERS!

06/05/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

Ok, this is the last time we’ll holler at you about shoes through your phone screen. 🤣

TONIGHT at midnight is your FINAL opportunity to get entered into the Brooks shoe giveaway! Scroll through these beauties, would ya? Ain't they pretty? 👌

Register for Flying Acorn before the clock strikes 12 and you could be choosing your own pair of Brooks running shoes—trail, road, cushioned, speedy, endurance…it’s your choice!

One registration. One chance to race. One chance to score a brand-new pair of shoes. I mean………what’s not to love, right trail friends?!

Valley Life Recreation Inc. has the single track in the Squirrel Hills Trail Park in TOP form and we can't wait to see you on them. You don’t want to miss this!

LIMITED spots remain (see second image), avoid disappointment and signup for FLYING ACORN on UltraSignup.com today! See you on the trails! 🍂👟

The UltraSignup newsletter will let you know about races in your area, past and future. We will not spam you only inform you about the cool stuff happening in our sport. The newsletter will be sent monthly and likely the first week of the month.

06/04/2026

⏰ 24 HOURS LEFT! ⏰

I know, we’re getting loud again here, but don’t miss your chance to win your choice of ANY pair of Brooks running shoes courtesy of A&L Cycle! Like, for real. FREE! Any kind!

Have you been trying to nudge a friend or coworker to join you in running Flying Acorn? If so, use this sweet 🍭 shoe giveaway nugget as that thing that’ll push them over the edge.

All Flying Acorn runners registered by Friday at midnight are automatically entered. One lucky runner will walk away with a pair of Brooks shoes that will fit their running goals, style, and size.

Already registered? You're in. Haven't signed up yet? Now's the time! Find Flying Acorn on UltraSignup ASAP!

06/03/2026

👟 WIN ANY PAIR OF BROOKS SHOES! 👟

As posted about yesterday in our fun little reel that showed off Flying Acorn RD Ryan prepping for a run, we're giving away a pair of shoes! Thanks to our 5k distance sponsor, A&L Cycle, everyone registered for Flying Acorn by THIS Friday at midnight will be entered to win their choice of ANY pair of Brooks running shoes!

Whether you're eyeing a road shoe, trail shoe, cushioned cruiser, or race-day rocket (seriously, is that a thing?!), you'll get fitted for the style, size, and fit that works best for you.

Register now and get your name in the draw before it's too late! 🍂🏃

06/02/2026

Did you think we forgot about you and the free BROOKS shoes giveaway we advertised last month? Absolutely not, we just had to get all that shirt promotion out-of-the-way to ensure everybody got the size and fit they wanted. This Friday at MIDNIGHT is the deadline to register for Flying Acorn AND be entered to win absolutely any pair of Brooks running shoes from our fantastic partners at A&L Cycle! You know what to you do! Commit to that 5k, 10k of half marathon now! If you already registered, you’re already entered in the draw!

06/01/2026

🍕 NEW FOR 2026: PIZZA at the Flying Acorn FINISH LINE! 🍕

Crossing the finish line at Flying Acorn is about to get even more rewarding (tastier!). This year, every runner (and volunteer!) will be treated to fresh pizza after their morning run on the trails thanks to our official Pizza Sponsor, Pizza Cabin!

As one of Minnedosa's newer dining options, Pizza Cabin has quickly become a local favourite, serving up handcrafted pizzas and great food right in the heart of the community. We are so excited to be bringing their delicious pies (pizzas!) to you for amazing post-race eats!

And speaking of pizza... we're still looking for volunteers! Whether it's helping at registration, assisting on course, or supporting the finish line festivities, we'd love to have you join the Flying Acorn team. Sign up through the green volunteer button on UltraSignup registration page (search for Flying Acorn) and you'll earn yourself a front-row seat to the action—and some well-deserved pizza too.

A huge thank you to Pizza Cabin for helping us satisfy all racers after running down that sweet Squirrel Hills Trail Park single track! See you on July 18th…just 47 days away!

05/29/2026

⚡️ As we begin the countdown to race day—exactly 50 days are left between now and when we all descend onto the Squirrel Hills Trail Park—we want to send a huge thank you to Planet Kia for powering this year's event once again as the official Planet Kia Energy Station!

Located at the trailhead, the Energy Station will keep runners fueled and hydrated throughout the race while also serving as a demonstration of curious innovation and sustainability. Planet Kia will be helping power our entire start/finish area using one of their electric vehicles—proving that clean energy and outdoor adventure make a pretty great team. 👌 Thank you Planet Kia!

We have just 21 spots left in our 5k, 21 spots left in the 10k and only 9 more people can join our half marathon. Come on Manitoba...let's claim those final race bibs and then start getting those legs ready for the MAGIC ✨ that is the Squirrel Hills Trail Park!

05/28/2026

Well, with the massive Suffer on Centennial trail race hosted by Trails of 'Toba behind us now, it’s time to get back to sharing exciting details about Flying Acorn with you! Huge thanks to Heritage Co-op for AGAIN stepping in as the official food and beverage sponsor for a zone we’re calling the Post Race Snack Shack at this year’s Flying Acorn! 🥤🍌🍪

We’re incredibly thankful to partner with organizations that believe in healthy living, strong communities and getting people outdoors to explore Manitoba’s amazing trail spaces. Whether it’s a cold drink, post-race snacks or a little boost after crossing the finish line, Heritage Co-op will be helping refuel our runners after their race and smiling all race day long. Make sure to stop in at the Heritage Co-op Gas Bar for a nice cold Big Cool, Co-op’s signature fountain slushie, as you explore town when the race is over!

And speaking of race day… 👀 entries are disappearing QUICKLY! Check out the remaining spots in the image and make sure you don’t miss your chance to be part of the action this year. Registration available at UltraSignup.com under "Flying Acorn." (Limited shirts are also left. Be sure to snag yours quickly at race signup!)