More Than a Sport: Why Middle School Athletics Matter
Over the past month, we’ve had the opportunity to return to our high school alma maters for “shoe drops,” supporting the Montevideo and Chisago Lakes…
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Wild River Running
Stillwater Minnesota
At Wild River Running, we foster community through movement. From fitting you with the perfect pair of shoes to offering a wide range of running apparel, fuel and accessories, we cater to all types of runners and walkers in the St. Croix River Valley. Whether running is a challenge, an escape, or a time to be social, Wild River Running can connect you with people, places and gear to keep you going.
Our Fit Process
At Wild River Running in Stillwater, Minnesota, we believe the right shoe can make all the difference—whether you’re logging miles, hitting the gym, or standing all day at work. Our personalized fit process goes beyond just size.
We take the time to understand your activity level, movement patterns, and past shoe experiences. From watching how you walk to analyzing your current footwear, we combine expertise and insight to guide you toward the perfect pair. It’s all about comfort, function, and setting you up for success—every step of the way.
From the Blog
Stories from the St. Croix: Jake Binversie completing the St. Croix Falls HS XC team
“I started running two seasons ago. I was lifting weights (at the school) during the summer, and I was sitting on the couch afterwards…
Post Marathon Doldrums
Each fall, marathons across the country bring months of training to a head. Runners uncork weeks of training to pursue their dreams; chasing PRs, Boston…
Stories from the St. Croix: Stilly Girls XC & their Dark Horse Season
“We weren’t even ranked at the start of the season. Honestly, that made us want it more. We changed our training plan this summer, and…
August: The month of high hopes
Last week, aspiring runners around the state embarked on another season of cross country. Some set lofty goals; state championships, or making varsity. Others are…
Chasing PRs on Browns Creek
Last week, we put on our first road race: The Brown’s Creek Breeze. Formal planning started back in December, but the idea for it came…
Signs of spring
It used to be the robins. The reliable, spunky neighborhood migrant would appear in my backyard one morning, a harbinger of things to come. Hearty…
The hidden trails of Stillwater
If you’ve gone for a run in Stillwater, chances are you’ve enjoyed the views of the “Loop”, crossing the St. Croix on the old and…
Stories from the St. Croix: Joel Button and the full moon river run
“I started in 2010, but it wasn’t really a race. It’s like an underground, no timing chip or anything. I was running in the winter…
What are your goals for the new year?
Years ago, I had a running acquaintance who did an annual New Year’s Eve “reflection” on the previous year’s training. He’d pick through the highs…
Stories from the St. Croix: Erika Albano and the quest for a new track in Turtle Lake, WI
“We moved to Turtle Lake in 2022. I went to my kids’ track and field meet (elementary school) the first year they were in school,…
Face the North Wind: a guide to surviving the winter months
Winter is challenging for runners. There are few races on the calendar, cold winds, low light, and lonely paths to tread on. So how to…
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Birkie Trail Half Marathon 🍂
We asked some runners who tackled the Birkie Trail Run last year to tell us about their experience and why you should consider their distance this year.
Here’s what Colin had to say:
“After running legs 5 and 6 of the marathon relay in 2024, I wanted to come back in 2025 and experience the whole loop for myself. The half marathon gave me the chance to see everything without missing the awesome singletrack and Mt. Telemark.”
His favorite part?
“That trail reminds me a lot of some of the trails I ran in high school at Quarry Hill in Rochester that were narrow, rolling, and winding. It was a great opportunity to relax and flow with the trail, and before I knew it a few miles had passed and I was back on to the ski trails!”
Advice for this year’s runners:
“Your pace should be all over the map, but your effort should be consistent!”
The Birkie Trail Run is September 26 in Cable, WI. If a fall trail race has been calling your name, maybe this is your year to run a loop!
Trail Tuesday Next Week! 🌲🏃🏽
Our pals from the @americanbirkebeiner will be joining us for a run and to get us fired up for the Birkie Trail Races on September 26!
Come run with us, hear what makes the Birkie trails so special, and get the inside scoop on the races!
Stick around afterward for a BBQ potluck and bring something to share. Food signup in this week’s newsletter.
📍Meet at the southern end of the park. Use the nature center parking lot.
🌲 WI state park pass (daily) $13 (wi) $16 (mn)
Fall refresh for the St. Croix Valley Race Board 🍂
We love helping spread the word about these local events and seeing your eyes head straight to the chalkboard before you ask, “What’s that race?” We’ll make sure they all make it onto our events calendar on the website, including the ones that didn’t quite fit on the board!
We saw that ChatGPT video about running, filmed right here in Stillwater, and thought… pretty good. But it was missing a few things.
Like how Stillwater has built one of Minnesota’s strongest high school running traditions.
And how the St. Croix Valley Runners, started in 1980, still meet regularly for group runs.
The fact that @runstillwater brings thousands of runners to the valley from May through September.
The hills. No explanation needed.
And the locally owned run specialty store that provides more than just shoes and gear. A place where runners gather, connect, and build community.
So we thought it was only right to make our own version. Thanks, @sulianasolano, for the inspo!
❤️ @asicsrunning for always being excited to do cool things with our community!
❤️ our beautifully talented friend @lilylancaster for bringing our idea together life!
To give parents and student-athletes a larger shopping window, we’re staying open late this week!
Visit us from 10 AM to 8 PM this Tuesday - Thursday
Everyone is welcome to take advantage of the extended hours!
#xcseasonishere #runbigshopsmall #schoolsports
A Tuesday Night Group Run
Step 1: We gather - 6:00 PM
Step 2: Aaron takes a selfie - 6:05 PM
Step 3: We run - 6:06-ish
Special this week: Have you heard there’s a new hot dog spot in town? We’re heading to Mr. Dogs after the run to support another newly opened small business in Stillwater! 🌭
#runwalkshoplocal
One Mile Time Trial ⏱️
Saturday, August 15th, 8:00 AM
Stillwater Middle School Track
No entry fee, no prizes, just a track, some friendly competition, and a 70s-era stopwatch.
Check out the Stillwater MN Distance Runners group on Strava for more details or talk to the guy who runs with a chipmunk in his backpack. (Aaron / @alvins_adventuring)
#bringyourownbanana🍌
Hoka Explosion 💥
Join us tomorrow night at Bridgewater Bank in Lake Elmo to take the newest @hoka lineup for a spin:
Clifton 11 - the smooth daily trainer
Clifton Pro - new from Hoka, soft yet responsive
Mach X3 - speed days and race efforts
We’ll be at the @runstillwater Gopher to Badger packet pickup outside the bank from 3-6 PM!
#hokaexplosion #runstillwater #wildriverrunning #runbigshopsmall
This cooler weather has us thinking about crisp mornings, fall miles, and of course, the Birkie Trail Run Series in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin! 🌲
With an incredible atmosphere, cool trails, and a unique variety of distances (like the Marathon Relay and brand new 10K), there’s seriously something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a fun fall adventure and a supportive race environment, this is a trail experience worth putting on your calendar!
📆 Saturday, September 26
📍Cable, WI
The HOKA Clifton 10 is 25% off in-store while they last.
Remember: the right number of shoes is always the number you own plus one more pair.👟🦊
#flyhumanfly #runbigshopsmall #walkfarshoplocal
Hit the trails with us tomorrow at Lake Elmo Park Reserve!
📍Meet at the Nordic Center
🌳 6 PM trail run - various distance options
🌭Bring something to share for the picnic
#trailtuesday #runwiththewild
Kids XC League Price Increase 8/1!
Join the Wild River Running Youth XC team and embark on an exciting journey of cross country running! Athletes will build camaraderie with teammates throughout the season and gain an introduction to a life-long sport, including running form, racing techniques, and perseverance.
#startemyoung #runwiththewild
Brands We Carry
We carry the best brands in-store.
Altra
Asics
Brooks
On
Hoka
Saucony
New Balance
Salomon
Goodr
Shokz
Balega
