*** WAITING ON 2026 PERMIT APPROVAL AS OF 5/25/26 ***
Please check back often as this is a living document and is getting updated as we make progress in creating the race!
Deadfall 25K
Event Details
The Deadfall 25K takes place entirely within the rolling terrain of Brighton Recreation Area, winding through a wide variety of the park’s most iconic trail systems. Runners will experience fast flowing singletrack, steep punchy climbs, dense pine forests, hardwood ridgelines, and technical sections scattered throughout the course as peak Michigan fall colors surround the trails.
Starting and finishing at the Organizational Group Campground, Deadfall is designed to showcase the rugged beauty and constantly changing terrain that make Brighton Recreation Area one of Southeast Michigan’s premier trail running destinations. The course utilizes portions of the Penosha Trail, Torn Shirt Trail, Murray Lake Trail, Appleton Trail, and Bishop Lake area trail systems to create a challenging and scenic fall trail running experience.
Participant and Race Details
Deadfall 25K: Starts at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 17th, 2026 (5 HourCutoff)
Course Record Bonus
We’re offering an additional $250 bonus to the finisher who sets a new course record for both the men and women’s fields.
Altra Shoe - Sponsor Giveaway
The top 3 overall finishers in each race will receive a free pair of Altra shoes courtesy of our title sponsor, Altra Running.
The Fine Print
If something about a result looks fishy — course cutting, racing in the wrong division, doping, or any other nonsense — we reserve the right to hold prizes until things are cleared up. If it turns out our concerns were valid, we reserve the right to withdraw the prizes entirely. The prizes are courtesy offered by Blackwood Racing, which means Blackwood decides if, when, and how it gets handed out. This isn’t something we owe, it’s a gift if we so choose to give it.
If everything is legit, great. Everyone gets their gifts and we all go home happy.
If not… well… we keep it and spend the money on stupid things like food and water for next year’s race.
Questions about the prize purse that aren’t covered in the Runner’s Guide?
Email Ian@blackwoodracing.com before race day so we can sort it out. What he says goes.
