Since 2003, the Urban Wildland Half Marathon and 5K has funded the environmental-education partnership between Wood Lake Nature Center and the Richfield Public Schools. This partnership, which has been active since 1971, incorporates Wood Lake’s naturalist-led programs and classes into the students’ regular science curriculum through field trips to Wood Lake. The partnership was saved and the Urban Wildland became a popular event in its own right! The half marathon and 5K courses are circular and wind runners through natural areas (including Wood Lake!), Richfield’s parks, and shaded residential neighborhoods. The half marathon course is USATF-certified and is remarkably flat: many runners report running personal records on our course! The start and finish line are near the Richfield Ice Arena in Veterans Park, where finisher medals, high-quality runner shirts, and food are handed out to runners, a DJ plays music, and spectators and runners can spread out and enjoy the festivities. The event is chip timed. The half marathon, which usually includes up to 1,000 runners, begins at 7:00 am. The 5K, which includes about 350 runners, begins at 7:30 am.