Maple Syrup Fun Run

Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Brunch

River Bend Nature Center organizes the Maple Syrup Fun Run as a fundraising event for environmental education, outdoor recreation, and natural resource conservation. River Bend is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Registration is open and fees support the nature center's programs.

The event offers multiple trail distances with tiered pricing before and after March 31:

• One Mile - Early bird $30, after March 31 $40
• 5K - Early bird $40, after March 31 $50
• 10K - Early bird $45, after March 31 $55
• 25K - Early bird $55, after March 31 $65
• 50K - Early bird $65, after March 31 $80

All registered participants receive a pancake brunch and sponsor-provided goodies. Public pancake brunch attendance is available for a fee; members pay $5 and non-members pay $10 per person, with children age 2 and younger free. Registrants who register by April 12 receive a free unisex t-shirt; same-day t-shirts are available while supplies last.

Routes use a loop layout: the one mile and 5K are one loop, the 10K is two loops, the 25K is two loops, and the 50K is four loops. The 5K and 10K routes are slightly longer than the listed distances; the 25K and 50K routes are slightly shorter. Course support includes three course marshals, four water stations, an athletic trainer at the start/finish area, an ambulance on standby, and porta-potties at three trail locations. Off-site parking is located at 100 State Ave, Faribault, MN; the nature center offers parking for 25K and 50K participants while other participants and spectators are directed to park at Allina. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.