Break the Bank
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Event overview
Break the Bank is a 50-mile point-to-point ultramarathon on Saturday, October 10, 2026, between Sturgeon Lake and Duluth, Minnesota. Race options include a 50-mile solo entry, a 50-mile 2-person relay, and a 50-mile 5-person relay. Registration closes on October 5, 2026, and the solo field is limited to the first 150 runners.
Course and aid
The course follows the Willard Munger Trail for about 43 miles on paved trail. The route is nearly flat for the first 40 miles and then descends about 500 feet over the final 10 miles into Duluth, finishing at the Bank House location in Morgan Park. There are eleven aid stations offering water, energy drink, cookies, gels, salted nut rolls, soda and other items. The race provides cups and will fill personal refillable containers.
Relay, logistics, and rules
Relay teams use four exchange zones for five legs. Leg distances are:
- Leg 1: 5.75 miles
- Leg 2: 5.6 miles
- Leg 3: 10.95 miles
- Leg 4: 12.35 miles
- Leg 5: 15.05 miles
Teams must transport themselves to exchange points; organizers provide transport from the finish area to the start for participants and will move warm-up clothing back to the finish. There are intermediate aid-station cutoffs, and official finishers must complete the course within 12 hours.
Fees, prizes, and policies
Entry fees use tiered pricing with early-bird and later prices for solo and relay entries. The event offers a $5,000 award for any individual who sets a new 50-mile American best by gender, plus prize money of $300, $200 and $100 for first through third in the open division. There are no refunds or transfers under any circumstances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
