The Duluth Rundown

This month’s Duluth Rundown includes race results from the Gobble Gallop and Chester Rim 5ks, and upcoming race announcements for the additional races in the Duluth Winter Trailrunning Series starting back up in early January, and the Wild Santa Run 5k.  

Trail conditions are excellent for winter trail running with sustained cold temperatures. Tony talks about personal challenges, switching it up and staying curious. Mike and Tony also talk about what they’re into lately, shout out volunteerism and several local board of director opportunities, and more! 

The end of October brings heaps and heaps of area race results from all types of running events and the race calendar quiets down quite a bit with just the Thanksgiving Day Gobble Gallop 5k in next month. Trail conditions continue to be in great shape, and Tony talks about 2026 goal planning in the Coach’s Corner segment.

Tony and Mike share their thoughts on the run, what they’re into, and a couple of shout-outs. Without a formal interview guest this month, Mike captured some sounds from local events. Listen in for four field interviews at the finish line of Wild Duluth and the NMTC Fall Trail Race series finale potluck.

Thanks for listening! If you have a shout-out, want to highlight race results or an upcoming event, or have an idea for a Rundown segment, email at [email protected].

Jakob is a Duluth runner and skier who recently became the fourth person in history to take the win at both Voyageur 50 Mile and Superior 100 in the same year. Listen in to hear a lively recap of how his season went and the benefits of strength and nutrition compared to sheer mileage in training. Jakob also shared his story of how he got into running, and his history of running and racing in the Duluth area across a wide variety of disciplines from fast road runs, trail ultramarathons, the Birkie and everything in between.

Catch results recaps and upcoming event announcements from a wide array of local running races. Tony and Mike discuss trail condition, balancing stress in training, and World Championships. They also share what they’re into lately, and have a couple shout-outs. If you have a shout-out, want to highlight a local race, or can share your “thoughts on the run”, email the podcast at [email protected]!

Mary is a born and raised Carlton County resident who grew up running at a young age. Inspired by Olympic track athletes as much as local Duluth pals logging miles on deer trails and through swamps before our extensive trail systems had been established, Mary has found success training for and completing races such as Boston Marathon and Superior Fall 100 Mile trail race. Listen in to hear about Mary’s running history, a few stories, and how she has balanced the importance of running in her life with listening to her body more now than ever.

Numerous local races are recapped and previewed from 1 Mile to 100 Miles, and most everything in between. Trail conditions are in prime late summer condition, although perhaps overgrown brush exists in some less-traveled areas. Bugs seem to be dying down, pre-leaf peeping season on the trails is upon us!

This month’s edition of Coach’s Corner is focused on nerves and anxiety. Tony talks about how all runners can manage pre-race nerves as well as mental tricks for training and racing to stay calm and focused. Mike’s Route of the Week is in Chester Park, Tony reflects on scepticism on the women’s marathon world record that was set in October 2024, and the guys have a few shout-outs with local athletes pursuing high-level races.

Matt is a born and raised Duluthian who grew up running (from the cops) on the Chester Park trail system, and continues to train regularly on those very same trails (fully within the confines of the law) to this day! Matt has completed multiple trail ultramarathon races, and is currently training for another finish at the Superior Fall Trail Race 100 Miler this September.

Tune in to hear how Matt got started running, stories from some of his races and trainings, and his experience volunteering on the Board of Directors for the Northern Minnesota Track Club (NMTC) helping produce the local spring and fall trail race series, Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon, and Minnesota Voyageur 50 Miler.

Tony and Mike highlight race results and news from Grandma’s Marathon, Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5k, Sawdust 5k, Sidewalk Shuffle 5k, and others. Upcoming races include the Park Point 5 Miler, Run with the Hounds 5k, Voyageur 50 Miler, Red Run 5k, Buzz Ryan Sprint Triathlon and Brewhouse Triathlon.

Hazy, smoke filled air is a topic of conversation throughout the July 2025 episode, Tony talks about working on speed and marathon fitness during Coach’s Corner, and Mike reviews a carb drink mix that he has been testing. Both guys have a couple items they’re into, thoughts on the run, and shout outs to all the race volunteers out there.

Leroy is a local Duluth runner who has participated in many road running races for over 30 years. He brings a passion and head-down grit to training and racing, with events under his belt from 5k to the marathon distance. Listen in to hear Leroy’s story and how running has positively impacted his life. His story highlights how almost anybody can get involved in running races and experience joy, no matter what your history or situation is!

Race results are in from the Pike Lake Races and CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5k. Also, NMTC Spring Trail Race series finale Chester Bowl results are announced as well as series winners. Upcoming Races are numerous, including Grandma’s Marathon, the Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5k, Sawdust 5k, Dragin’ Tail 5 Miler, Sidewalk Shuffle 5k, Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon, Park Point 5 Miler, Run With The Hounds and the Buzz Ryan Triathlon. 

The report from local trails is great, and Tony talks all things race week for people toeing the line at Grandma’s Marathon weekend races. Mike and Tony discuss wildfire smoke and the AQI, Mike reviews a trail shoe and nutrition product, and both hosts are currently into dot-watching various multi-day endurance pursuits.