Break the Bank
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Break the Bank - Duluth MN - October 10, 2026
Break the Bank is a point to point 50 mile event organized by True North Adventures in northeastern Minnesota. The event offers three entry formats:
- 50 mile solo
- 50 mile 2 person relay
- 50 mile 5 person relay
The route starts on the shores of Sturgeon Lake and finishes at 1106 88th Ave W in Duluth, concluding beside the converted Bank House. Approximately 43 miles of the course run on the paved Willard Munger Trail. The course is nearly flat for the first 40 miles and features a gradual downhill finish with about a 500 foot drop over the final 10 miles. Finish area amenities include warm showers, a warming tent, music, and food and drink.
The race provides eleven aid stations spaced along the course offering water, energy drink, cookies, gels, salted nut rolls, various soda pops, and other items. Cups are provided and refillable containers will be filled. Relay teams use four exchange zones for five running legs with distances of roughly 5.75, 5.6, 10.95, 12.35, and 15.05 miles; teams are responsible for transport to exchange points.
Transportation is provided from the finish to the start on race morning and warm-up bags are transported back to the finish. Packet pickup is available at Tortoise & Hare Footwear the Friday before the race and at the start on race day. Entry is capped at the first 150 solo runners and registration closes October 5. There are no refunds or transfers. A $10,000 bonus is offered for any individual who sets a new 50 mile American best for their gender; additional cash prizes are awarded to the top three open finishers and an extra $200 is offered for breaking the 2025 course record. Mandatory cutoffs apply at selected aid stations and finishers must complete the course in under 12 hours to qualify as official finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
