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FLORENCE, WI -- With its scenic trails and well known river crossing, the Keyes Peak Trail Run is becoming a popular race in the running community.

That popularity has soared this spring when Runner's World named Keyes Peak as one of the top 32 trail races in North America.

"We were pleasantly surprised,” said Trail Race Director Jeff Crumbaugh.  “The other races in the top 32 include some really famous races nationwide.  So to be among the elite 32 group of trail races is quite an accomplishment."

The 50k, marathon, and 10k race event is only in its second year of existence, making the recognition all the more surprising.   More than 140 runners from 21 states are signed up for Saturday's race.

Thanks to the recognition from Runner's World, organizers are expecting a spike in runners over the next few years, which could also prove to be a big boost for the Florence economy.

Crumbaugh expects as many as 300 runners per year in the future, which means more tourist dollars for the sometimes forgotten county.

"It's great for the community,” said Richard Knepper, the Florence Chamber of Commerce President.  “Any time we get people into our community, the dollars it brings in really help."

"Florence County is a small county,” said organizer and Wild Rivers Adventure Owner Ryan Jacobson.  “It doesn't get marketed very much, so when I'm trying to get customers up here, it's kind of doing double duty trying to sell the county and trying to sell my company."

The first trail race starts Saturday morning at 7 a.m. CST at the Keyes Peak Lodge in Florence.