When Carolyn Wensley set out to organize the inaugural Run Wild Trail Run at River Ridge Trails by herself in 2023, she knew it would be hard — she just hadn’t realized how hard.
“I very naively went into it thinking: I can do this. But it was so much,” Wensely recalls now. “There were a lot of hiccups and a lot of tears after that first year.”
And yet, Run Wild Trail Run was not a one-and-done event. In that challenging first year, Wensley was blown away by the support she received, including from people who promised to help with future races. Last year, participant Amro Alansari stepped up to be a co-organizer.
“During the race, people were pulling me aside and telling me how much fun they were having and how much they loved it, saying they would be back next year. It left me a little bit awestruck,” Wensley says. “This race now comes down to having the support from the running community. And I’m so grateful for the excitement we all have about this race and those who are jumping in and helping in whatever way they can.”
This year’s event returns to River Ridge Trails, north of Langham, on May 10 with 5- and 10-kilometre distances on tap. While the Run Wild Trail Run has been capped at 125 participants the last two years — and sold out both times — this spring’s event has expanded to welcome 200 runners. Despite the increase, the 2025 event also seems headed for a sell out, with more than 120 runners securing their spots during the opening week of registration in mid January.
“It was very exciting seeing so many people register in a week. And we’re hoping that, within a month, we’re sold out,” Wensley says.
If you’re looking to grab one of the remaining spots, here’s what you need to know about the event.
What: Run Wild Trail Run is an early-season trail race with 5- and 10-kilometre events run predominantly on single-track dirt trail. The race prides itself on a high-energy start- and finishline atmosphere supported by Saskatoon’s Prairie Run Crew.
Where: River Ridge Trails are located just north of Langham off Range Road 3074, about 40 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. The trails run along the riverbanks of the North Saskatchewan River.
When: While the last two iterations of Run Wild Trail Run have happened over the May long weekend, this year’s event takes place a week earlier, on May 10. This conveniently avoids conflicting with the new Reesor 50 trail race happening at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park over the long weekend. “I’m actually hoping to take part in that race the weekend after mine,” Wensley says. “I am really happy to see more trail events happening in the province.”
Participant bib and race package pickup take place on site on race morning starting at 8 a.m. with both race distances kicking off at 10 a.m.
How to register: Registration is through Race Roster at a cost of $52.75 ($45 + processing fees) for the 5km and $63.98 ($55 + processing fees) for the 10km. Less than 60 spots remain. For more information, visit the event website.
Featured photo by Nathan Jones (Instagram: @anothernate).
