Lost Forester Runs coming

The Lost Forester Runs of Pine Valley return Saturday, Aug. 26.

The unique event offers three choices: people can run or walk 5.5K or 11K on the ski and bike trails at the park, or take the more daunting Lost Forester 8-miler, which is a loop on the Pine Valley and Pine Valley West ski trails and on most of the mountain bike trails. There will also be times running off trail following a ribbon line.

Eight-miler runners will have to collect an undetermined number of data cards with their bib number on the card. When they collect their data card, they will have to read the instructions on the card to determine where they go next. Think trail race meets scavenger hunt meets Minnesota backwoods.

Organizer Tim Krohn noted that flannel is the shirt of choice for the Lost Forester.

“It may make the difference between a clean finish and a dirty finish,” he said.

Runners will have 90 minutes to have a clean finish. Over 90 minutes is a dirty finish.

To finish runners will need to run up the ski jump hill and ring the Lost Forester’s dinner bell.

Stay afterwards for flapjacks and maple syrup.

The races begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Register at facebook.com/lostforester. Race-day registration starts at 7 a.m. Cost is $35 by Aug. 25 or $40 after.

The races support Blue House Uganda, a Minnesota nonprofit for orphans and vulnerable girls in rural Uganda that helps girls and young women grow in a safe, caring environment, and receive an education.