Forbush Opener 2025 Results

The Michigan winter woods came alive under headlamps last week for the Inaugural Forbush Moonlight Snowshoe 5k. With a crisp night air and perfect trail conditions, 25 enthusiastic participants gathered to navigate the scenic Nordic trail system on snowshoes.

Supported by Tom, our local Tubbs Snowshoe Representative, the event was a true community celebration of winter sports. The course took racers through a glowing loop of the Crybaby trail and the Pines connector, ending at a roaring finish-line bonfire.

Race Highlights

The competition was spirited, featuring seasoned athletes and newcomers alike. Patrick Howard, fresh off his appearance at the Snowshoe World Championships in Wisconsin, led the pack to take the top spot for the men. On the women’s side, Meagan Rinck delivered a commanding performance to secure the first-place finish.

Beyond the podium, the evening was about the experience. After crossing the finish line, racers warmed up with hot chocolate and "Barb’s famous cookies," sharing stories by the fire. Adding to the excitement, Tubbs generously gave away two pairs of Wayfinder snowshoes to lucky random finishers.