Newton Hills Trail Races

Newton Hills Trail Races, Canton SD

The Sioux Falls Area Running Club (SFARC) organizes trail races at Newton Hills State Park in Canton, SD. The event for 2026 takes place on October 10 with registration closing on October 7. Two distances are offered.

• 6 miles
• 2 miles

The race has been held at Newton Hills since 2002. It began as an eight mile race through 2006 and changed to the current distances in 2007. The 2026 season marks the 10th year of the Trail Run Series and the 25th anniversary of Newton Hills in the series. Swag will be provided at races and the series added partner events including the Good Earth Trail Festival races and the Mount Lucia Trail Race.

Course details note a common start and finish near the picnic shelter by the suspension bridge at the Blue Diamond Trail Head. The two mile course follows the Woodland Trail single track loop and includes one prominent hill. The six mile course uses a multi-purpose four mile loop with three prominent climbs, then the two mile Woodland loop to return to the finish. Distances are approximately two miles and six miles.

Logistics and rules: a state park day permit is required for entry, races are chip timed by 605 Running Company, headphones are allowed with caution, pets are not permitted, and no refunds or credits are offered. The series awards points by division and age divisions include 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 plus. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.