BOYLSTON – The Winona Forest Recreation Association hosts its annual Deer Fly Trail Run/Walk on Saturday, Aug. 28. The event features both 5K and 10K competitions which begin at 9:30 a.m. at CCC Camp, county Route 90, Mannsville. It highlights the beautiful wooded and scenic trail system that runs through the Winona Forest Recreation Area.

The 5K course is fast and well-marked with no major climbs. It is comprised of mostly wide dirt paths or roads and ends with a one-mile stretch of single track. It is ideal for everyone from walkers to competitive runners.

The 10K course is more adventurous. It includes steep climbs and areas with no trail, possibly across creeks or streams. An aid station will be positioned at roughly the half-way point.

Registration is $25 for the 5K course and $35 for the 10K course. All proceeds will go directly to trail repair and maintenance.

The first 100 registrants will receive a Deer Fly trail map buff. Prizes will be awarded to the top three female and male participants in each distance.

Advance registration is available now at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=84752. Race day sign-up will also be available.

Located six miles east of I-81, Winona Forest Recreation Area encompasses more than 9,000 acres in northern Oswego and southern Jefferson counties. Volunteers maintain miles of trails for year-round recreational use, including hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, birdwatching and horseback riding.

For more race information, email shaun_griffith@yahoo.com. For accommodations and visitor information go to www.visitoswegocounty.com.

RUNNERS GATHER at the start line of the Deer Fly Trail Run a few years ago at Winona Forest Recreation Area in northern Oswego and southern Jefferson counties. This year’s Deer Fly Trail Run will be Saturday, Aug. 28. (Photo by Brad P. Smith/Oswego County Tourism.)