Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K 

About

Our Purpose: The Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K began in 2003 to save Wood Lake Nature Center's environmental education partnership with the Richfield Public Schools, which was in jeopardy due to cuts in local government aid. Since Wood Lake Nature Center's opening in 1971, Richfield's K-6 students had visited Wood Lake multiple times a year as part of their science curriculum. Thanks to the Urban Wildland, the program was spared and has continued every year with the proceeds from this event.

The Courses: The Urban Wildland Half Marathon and 5K courses wind through shaded residential neighborhoods, natural areas (including Wood Lake Nature Center, the benefactor of the event!), and neighborhood parks. Both courses are circular. The half marathon is a USATF-certified course.

Here's what runners say about the Urban Wildland:

''This was my 19th time! It’s one of my favorite events because of the cause and the great people.''

''My son really like this half-marathon...so do I. This is the 4th year we have run it together. Good times!''

''I like the course, the time of year is great for marathon training, and I like the cause.''

''I have been running this 5k for several years now and I love the course and the volunteers. It is one of my favorite races of the year!''