The Frozen Feet races were born out of the Frozen 40, a fat bike trail race in Minnesota. In 2016, Race Director Ben Welnak added in some foot races as well.

There is a 5k on Saturday night, and then a 5k, 10k, and Half on Sunday morning.

And I know what you're thinking. It seems crazy to run a trail race in the dead of winter in Minnesota. And maybe it is crazy. The trails at the race venue are groomed through the winter, so it's still your standard single track. Just, you know, with packed snow.

Packet pick-up can be done either Saturday night, or on Sunday morning. I've always done it the night before, but frankly it is quick either way.

The morning of the race was cold, but not unbearable, with temps hovering in the 20s. We got some snow flurries here and there, but the sun peaked out for a majority of the race as well.

The start is about a low-key as you would expect from a trail race. A group meeting to talk about the race, walk over to the start line, and go.

The race starts with a short double loop (I think this is all the 5k runs) before you head out for the main adventure on the single track. The course flows about as you would expect single track to flow. Lots of small ups and downs with no huge inclines, but no real flat areas. There is one aid station on the course, and it's at about mile 7.

For the most part, the only people you'll see are the other racers, and the occasional bikers as well. Most of the race is (again standard for trails) weaving through the woods on single track. The race ends rather abruptly on a downhill that drops you off right back in the parking lot. Trust your watch on this one, when you ping 13 miles, you're close. There is no indicator on the course that you're almost done. Just hammer until you see people standing by the trail with the finisher's medal (more on that in a second).

So the question you're all wondering. What's it like racing on trails in winter? Ultimately, it isn't too different than any other time of year. If you have Yak Trax, or some other traction for your shoes, you'll be perfectly fine. Some of the sharp turns are a little slick, but if there's ice, then that is marked by the course. Take the turns slow, and hammer on the straight aways. The snow and single track also makes passing virtually impossible. If you're a comparable speed as someone, you probably aren't getting around them. So if you're racing competitively, it's in your best interest to get out front quick.

The finisher's "medal" was actually a laser engraved block of wood, which I think is absolutely awesome! I always like different things other than medals, and this qualifies.

You don't get a race shirt with this one, but you get a pint glass instead. The food is also incredible, some of the best breakfast burritos I've ever had.

If you like trails, and need to find a race in the winter, you should definitely roll over to the Frozen Half!