Birds of a Feather Trail Trot

Welcome to the 4th Annual Birds of a Feather Trail Trot, a Thanksgiving Day trail run at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC!  Gather your flock and start your holiday on the right foot. Choose from a mellow 2-mile course featuring paved paths, grass, and smooth trails, or take on the more rugged 5K — or the all-new 10K — with  plenty of roots, rocks, and rolling hills.  An untimed fun run option is available for the 2-mile course.

After your run, stick around for a slice of pie (yum!), a FREE kids race (kids 11-U), and an awards ceremony packed with fun contests and giveaways. Run with your flock and celebrate family, fitness, fun… and PIE!

Make it a Thanksgiving Weekend Double!  Run with your flock at the Birds of a Feather Trail Trot on Thanksgiving Day, then burn off that holiday feast two days later at the Leftovers Trail Run on Saturday, November 28.  Register for both events at the same time and receive 10% off each event (select Thanksgiving Weekend races during registration).

Newly added for 2026, the fun and challenging 10K course starts with .43 mile of wide-open pavement, perfect for separating the field or runners.  Following the paved section, runners will complete 5.54 miles of undulating double-track dirt trails and flowy single-track with plenty of roots, rocks, and short hill climbs.  The course ends with a .26 mile paved trail heading to the finish line.  There are three aid stations with water and Gatorade at 1.8M, 3.1M, and 5.0M. The exact distance is 6.2 miles (10K), with an elevation gain of 378’.  

CLICK HERE to view view elevation profile and map in detail.

Birds of a Feather Trail Trot 10K Technical Terrain Course Rating:  Overall 3 out of 5 - (.69M of EASIEST/EASY and 5.54M of MODERATE) (This is a fun and challenging course)

1 - EASIEST (no technical terrain) (wide double-track (dirt road), smooth single-track with minimal rocks/roots, grassy areas, paved trail.  Some moderate hills) 
2 - EASY (some roots/rocks but mostly smooth sections of trail.  Some moderate hills)
3 - MODERATE (more roots and rocks and some smooth sections of trail.  Some short punchy hill climbs and gradual inclines dispersed throughout.  Some 'flat' sections)
4 - DIFFICULT (a lot of roots and rocks.  Many short punchy hill climbs and gradual inclines dispersed throughout.  Few 'flat' sections.)
5 - MOST DIFFICULT (almost all roots and rocks.  Almost all hills, with very few flat sections)    

The 2 mile course is perfect for the whole family.  The 2 mile starts with .79 mile of paved road and trail, perfect for separating the field or runners.  Following the paved section, runners will complete .71 mile of grass and non-technical double and single-track trails (the vast majority of which is smooth, with very few roots and rocks).  The course ends with .54 mile of sidewalks and paved trail heading to the finish line.  There is one aid station with water and Gatorade at 1.03 mile.  The exact distance is 2.04 miles, with an elevation gain of 134’.  The 2 mile course may be run or walked as a timed race or an untimed fun run.    

CLICK HERE to view view elevation profile and map in detail.

Birds of a Feather 2 Mile Technical Terrain Course Rating:  Overall 1+ out of 5 - (1.69M of EASIEST and .35M of EASY) (This is a non-technical fun and very fast course)

1 - EASIEST (no technical terrain) (wide double-track (dirt road), smooth single-track with minimal rocks/roots, grassy areas, paved trail.  Some moderate hills) 
2 - EASY (some roots/rocks but mostly smooth sections of trail.  Some moderate hills)
3 - MODERATE (more roots and rocks and some smooth sections of trail.  Some short punchy hill climbs and gradual inclines dispersed throughout.  Some 'flat' sections)
4 - DIFFICULT (a lot of roots and rocks.  Many short punchy hill climbs and gradual inclines dispersed throughout.  Few 'flat' sections.)
5 - MOST DIFFICULT (almost all roots and rocks.  Almost all hills, with very few flat sections)    

The 5K offers a super-fun, rugged challenge for both newbies and trail veterans alike.  The 5K course starts with .43 mile of wide-open pavement, perfect for separating the field or runners.  Following the paved section, runners will complete 2.79 miles of undulating double-track dirt trails and flowy single-track with plenty of roots, rocks, and short hill climbs.  The course ends with a .26 mile paved trail heading to the finish line.  There is one aid station with water and Gatorade at 1.8 miles. The exact distance is 3.38 miles (5.4K), with an elevation gain of 217’.    

CLICK HERE to view view elevation profile and map in detail.

Birds of a Feather 5K Technical Terrain Course Rating:  Overall 3 out of 5 - (.69M of EASIEST/EASY and 2.79M of MODERATE) (This is a fun and challenging course)

1 - EASIEST (no technical terrain) (wide double-track (dirt road), smooth single-track with minimal rocks/roots, grassy areas, paved trail.  Some moderate hills) 
2 - EASY (some roots/rocks but mostly smooth sections of trail.  Some moderate hills)
3 - MODERATE (more roots and rocks and some smooth sections of trail.  Some short punchy hill climbs and gradual inclines dispersed throughout.  Some 'flat' sections)
4 - DIFFICULT (a lot of roots and rocks.  Many short punchy hill climbs and gradual inclines dispersed throughout.  Few 'flat' sections.)
5 - MOST DIFFICULT (almost all roots and rocks.  Almost all hills, with very few flat sections)    

Professional photographers will be at the race capturing images of race day fun.  All photos will be FREE for download after the race. 

Check out photos from our past races HERE.  

Sprawling over 900 acres on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community that boasts a vast network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition to fantastic trails, centrally located Great Meadow Park, with its beautiful lawn, stage, and pavilion, offers the perfect location to stage this event.  Park on the neighborhood streets adjacent to Great Meadow Park (161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516).  Overflow parking will be available at Woods Charter school about .3 miles from the staging area (160 Woodland Grove Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

Hello Birds of a Feather Runners,

Welcome to inaugural Birds of a Feather Trail Trot coming up on Thanksgiving Day at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC.  Prepare for a healthy and fun morning on the trails with family and friends. Here we go!!!

Below are logistical and safety details for the event.  This message is long but should answer most questions you might have.  Please take a few minutes to read.

Schedule of Events:

Staging Area:  Pavilion at Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel (161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

WEDNESDAY, 11/22/23

• 5pm–7pm:  Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up (optional, but encouraged) under the pavilion @ Great Meadow Park.  You may pick up packets for friends/family.  PORCH Briar Chapel will be accepting food donations.

THURSDAY, 11/23/23

• 7:15am–8:30am:  Check-in / Packet Pick-up (check-in only if you did not pick up your packet on Wednesday).  PORCH Briar Chapel will be accepting food donations.
• 8:20am:  5K Pre-Race Brief
• 8:30am:  5K Start
• 8:40am:  1.5M Fun Run Brief
• 8:50am:  1.5M Fun Run Start
• 9am–10:15am:  PIE, music, awards
• 9:30am:  FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (kids 11-U)
• 9:45am:  Awards 5K
• 10:00am:  Giveaways, Costume Contest, Pushup Competition

Race Day Weather and Course Conditions (as of 11/18):  The extended forecast is calling for sunny skies, light winds, and temps ranging from the upper 30s in the early morning (brrr) to the low 50s by mid-morning - chilly, but pretty darn good running weather.  Of course, the forecast can always change as we get closer to race day, so please check the weather the day before and come prepared for the elements.  The trails are in good shape right now.  We spent some time earlier this week trimming the vegetation along some of the tighter trails and next Monday, we plan to do some light leaf blowing to expose the roots and rocks and improve footing.  It looks like we will get some rain on Tuesday and early on Wednesday, but it has been very dry lately so any rain we do receive should soak in nicely.  We will send another email on Tuesday with race reminders and a weather update.    

Volunteers:  If you have friends or family that would like to participate as a volunteer, we would love their help.  Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action as they help with check-in, course marshalling, aid stations, post-race pie cutting/serving, and sweeping the courses.  All volunteers receive a t-shirt (we allocated tees for volunteers when we ordered), post-race pie, $15 off a future race (that they can use or gift to anyone), and our sincere appreciation.  Plus, volunteering is fun!  To volunteer, CLICK HERE.  

Registration:  We currently have over 350 runners registered (as of 11/18).  Registration will stay open until race day, or until we reach our max of 500 runners, whichever comes first. The registration fee increases by $5 at midnight on Tuesday 11/21.  If you have friends or family who intend to participate, we encourage them to register as soon as possible to claim their spot on the start line, save $, and have a better chance of getting a t-shirt in their size.  

Start List:  CLICK HERE to view the list of registered racers.

PORCH Briar Chapel:  With this event, we are helping raise funds and awareness for PORCH Briar Chapel to support their mission to put food on the table of those in need in Chatham County.  Our goal is to raise $1500 and with $800 collected so far (as of 11/18), we are over halfway there.  Thank you to all who donated during registration!  Roadless Races will match 10% of whatever funds are collected.  Also, PORCH Briar Chapel will be at the event collecting monetary contributions and canned/boxed holiday foods.  Their greatest need for the holiday season is mac and cheese, rice, mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, cornbread mix, fruit cups, canned veggies, pie/cookie/brownie mix, cinnamon, and any spices.  Please consider bringing an item to contribute or if you would like to make a monetary contribution, you can at the event or ONLINE HERE.  THANK YOU for supporting such a great cause.

Early Check-in/Packet Pick-up (Optional):  Optional early check-in/packet pick-up will be available at the pavilion at Great Meadow Park on Wednesday, 11/22 from 5pm-7pm (161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516).  At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and your race t-shirt.  You may pick up packets for other racers.  If you are checking-in on Wednesday, you DO NOT need to check-in on race day.

Race Day Check-in/Packet Pick-Up:  If you do not check-in early on Wednesday, check-in/packet pick-up will be available at the staging area from 7:15am-8:30am on race day, Thurs, 11/23. 

Arrival:  Please arrive early to help alleviate backups.  It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief.  If you are checking in on race day (did not check-in on Wed), we recommend arriving at least 45 min before your start time and if you check-in on Wednesday, we recommend arriving at least 30 min before your start time.     

Directions and Address of Staging Area at Great Meadow Park:  161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516  

• Briar Chapel is located off Rt. 15/501, which is 15 minutes south of downtown Chapel Hill.
• From 15/501, take Andrew Store Rd west for approximately 1 mile.
• Turn right onto Granite Mill Blvd (2nd Briar Chapel entrance) and follow the Race Parking signs.
• Park and follow the signs to check-in.

Parking:  If you live in Briar Chapel and somewhat close to the staging area, we request that you please walk to the staging area if possible.  This will free up parking for those that live further away and may save you time depending on when you arrive.  If you are driving to the venue, park along the neighborhood streets of Briar Chapel, adjacent to Great Meadow Park.  SEE MAP below with parking areas.  Please arrive early and carpool, if bringing family or friends. Some of the streets at Briar Chapel are narrow so PLEASE PARK ON ONE SIDE OF THE STEET ONLY.  If and when all the space fills up near the staging area, you can park @ Woods Charter School (160 Woodland Grove Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516), which is a 8-minute walk to the staging area.  Thank you, Woods Charter! 

Portajohns:  Portajohns will be available near the pavilion at Great Meadow Park.

Pre-Race Brief:  The pre-race brief will begin 10 minutes before your race start time and will take place at the race start near the pavilion.    

Start Times:  The 5K will start @ 8:30am and the 1.5 Mile Fun Run will start @ 8:50am.

Courses:  Sprawling over 900 acres and located on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community that boasts a vast network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails.  The 1.5 mile fun run course includes some of the most mellow trails at Briar Chapel and is the perfect distance/terrain for the whole family.  Including a mixture of undulating double-track dirt trails and flowy single-track with some roots, rocks, and short hill climbs, the 5K course offers a super-fun challenge for both newbies and trail veterans alike.  Perfect for separating the field of runners, both courses start with just under half mile of downhill pavement running.  The 5K course has 217' of elevation gain and measures 3.4 miles (5.4K).  The 1.5 mile course has 109' of elevation gain and measures 1.57 miles.  Both courses may be run or walked.  

1.5 Mile Course:  CLICK HERE to view the course description, map, and elevation profile. 
5K Course:  CLICK HERE to view course description, map, and elevation profile. 

Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette:  While there are plenty of passing opportunities on the trails at Briar Chapel, many of the single-track trails are narrow and passing may be difficult.  So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy.  At the beginning of the race, there is just under .5 miles of wide pavement before entering the trails.  So, it is recommended that you place yourself appropriately at the start line, with faster racers near the front, mid pack racers near the middle, and ‘back of pack’ runners near the rear.  Also, proper trail etiquette should be practiced.  Overtaking racers should use audible signals such as ‘passing on your left’ or ‘passing on your right’ and, when possible, slower racers should allow them to pass.  Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the overtaking racer to pass safely.  

Course Marking:  The course will be marked with red, yellow, or pink laminated arrows at all turns or areas of decision and pint surveyor’s tape tied to branches between points of decision.  Arrows will be tied to trees or stapled to wooden stakes.  There are some minor social trails at Briar Chapel that lead to homes or down to a stream.  Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow.  Before road crossings, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign.  Most road crossings will be staffed with Course Marshals, but some will not.  PLEASE BE CAREFUL AT ROAD CROSSINGS AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING ANY ROAD.  

Aid Stations:  There is one aid station on the 5K course, at 1.8M.  The aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade.  Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle.  First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at the aid station.  An aid station will also be positioned at the finish.

NO IN-EAR EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC:  The use of in-ear EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any Roadless Races event.  Why, you may ask?  Well, for the following three reasons:

• Safety – we need to look out for each other!  Our courses are held on trails in remote areas.  If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response.  Racers must be alert at all times.  
• Courtesy – trail races are very different than road races.  Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on single-track hiking trails.  To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left.  Passing someone who can’t hear you is difficult and frustrating.
• Community – at Roadless Races we strive to build community.  Please use your time with us to unleash yourself from your device, enjoy the sounds of nature, talk to people, make some friends, and have fun.    

No Dogs on the Course:  We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all racers (and dogs), they are not permitted on the race course.  Spectators are welcome to bring leashed and supervised dogs.

Trail Strollers:  Strollers that are appropriate for the trail ARE PERMITTED on the 1.5 mile fun run course ONLY (such as a BOB stroller, for instance).  If using a trail stroller, PLEASE START AT THE BACK, behind the runners and walkers.  Strollers ARE NOT PERMITTED on the 5K course because there are some root and rock filled sections on the 5K that will be frustrating (and potentially dangerous) to navigate.

Photos:  Uber-talented professional photographer Mario Quivera will be at the race capturing images of the fun and friendly competition.  All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event.  We will send an email when they are ready.  Smile big! 

Chip Timing / Results:  The timing pros from Finish Well timing are timing the 5K race.  Timing chips will be affixed to the back of your race bib.  Please wear your bib on the front of your body, either on your torso or on your shorts.  Results will be posted on-site and on runsignup.com immediately following the conclusion of the event.  The 1.5 Mile Fun Run is untimed.   

Recovery and Medical:  AlbyPT will providing medical services at the race and will also be available to screen and discuss any injury recovery or movement performance questions you may have.  AlbyPT is your partner in keeping life moving well. Specializing in various areas of physical therapy including orthopedics, aquatics, pelvic health, and dry needling; Michelle Alby, DPT is there to guide injury recovery, improve performance for the next race, or assist the body to its next great adventure. With private individualized sessions at your home or office, AlbyPT is an ideal partner in keeping life moving well.  Thank you, Michelle for lending your medical expertise to athletes!

Post-Race PIE / Beverages:  Enjoy a slice of pie after you run, before you head home for your big Thanksgiving feast.  Consider it an appetizer:)  Beverages include cider, water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE!  Post-race refreshments are complimentary for all racers and volunteers.  Thank you to the gleaming new Food Lion at the entrance to Briar Chapel for providing the yummy pie, cider, and bottled water for this event! 

FREE Kids Race for Treasure sponsored by Knoll at Briar Chapel:  At 9:30am, kids aged 11 and under are invited to participate in the Kids Race for Treasure.  Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!  All kids are welcome to participate, and parents are encouraged to line the 'race course' to cheer them on.  We will match kids in age groups (3-U, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and have them run a short out and back ‘race’ in the large field near the staging area.  After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!  Thank you to Knoll at Briar Chapel (the beautiful new apartment community on the eastern entrance to BC) for providing the toys!  

Awards/Giveaways:  The 5K awards ceremony will be held at 9:45am.  Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) will be presented to the top five M/F 5K overall finishers.  We will announce the overall winners and ask them to come up to the podium for their awards.  Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) will be given to the top three M/F 5K age group competitors for each distance.  Age groups include 6-8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.  Age group winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table.  In addition to the awards, we have plenty of awesome swag to give away from Fleet Feet.  Also, Fleet Feet Carrboro/Durham is extending a 10% discount to racers from Fri 11/24-Sun 11/26 (just bring in your race bib).  NICE and THANK YOU, Feet Feet - Carrboro/Durham!

Push up Competition and Costume Contest:  The costume contest and push up competition will take place at 10am, immediately following the 5K awards.  Anyone that participates will receive swag, and the top two winners of the costume contest and last two M/F push up contestants left 'standing' will receive prizes.  Also, a special prize is up for grabs to anyone that wins the push up contest, while wearing a costume:)  So, break out that turkey outfit, prep those muscles, and prepare for Fun, Fun, Fun!    

Awesome Sponsors:  THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors for providing product, services, donations, and giveaways in support of grassroots racing and our community.  Please show your love and support our sponsors in any way you can.  AlbyPT, Athletic Brewing Company, Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham, Food Lion Briar Chapel, and Knoll at Briar Chapel.

Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the inaugural Birds of a Feather Trail Trot.    

Prepare for an excellent day on the trails and see you on Thanksgiving.

Jim

Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
jim@roadlessraces.com
roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034

Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action and make it all happen on race day.  All are welcome to volunteer.  At Birds of a Feather, volunteers help with check-in, aid stations, course marshalling, post-race pie, and sweeping/demarking the course.  Volunteering is a great way to join in on the event and have fun in the outdoors. 

All volunteers receive a free race t-shirt, free food, and a $15 discount into a future Roadless Races event. Volunteer shifts usually start between 7am-8am and last 2-4 hours.  

The course map below shows the staging area (start/finish), aid stations, and course marshal locations.  You could help at one of those areas.   After you sign up, we will add you to the volunteer plan and send a few days before the race.  THANK YOU for volunteering!

To volunteer, SIGN UP HERE!

Sprawling over 900 acres and located on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community that boasts a vast 20+ mile network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. 

The 2 mile course is mellow and includes paved trail, grass, and smooth trail ONLY and is the perfect distance/terrain for the whole family.  Including a mixture of undulating double-track dirt trails and flowy single-track with plenty of roots, rocks, and short hill climbs, the rugged 5K and 10K courses offer a super-fun challenge for both newbies and trail veterans alike. 

Perfect for separating the field of runners, all three courses start with paved sections (.43 mile for 5K/10K and .8 mile for the 2 mile).  All events are timed and there is also an untimed fun run option for the 2 mile.  The 5K course has 217' of elevation gain and measures 3.38 miles (5.4K).  The 10K course has 378' of elevation gain and measures 6.2 miles (10K).  The 2 mile course has 134' of elevation gain and measures 2.04 miles.

For more details on each individual course, click on the links below:

2 Mile Course
5K Course
10K Course

• Limited race entry to provide an intimate and friendly race experience and to prevent overcrowding on the trails.  Each timed race is limited to 175 total racers.  The event is capped at 600 total participants across all four events.  
• Fun and challenging course design
• Professional race operations
• Superbly marked course – you won’t get lost
• Race tee that you’ll love and want to wear. It's high-quality, super soft/comfy, and comes in men’s/unisex, women’s, and youth sizes (see link for color and sizing specs). Screen printed with vintage ink to give it an attractive, light, and subdued look. Pick up at check-in.  The 2025 tee shown.  2026 tee design coming soon. 
• Exciting atmosphere with great music
• Excellent volunteer support
• Well-stocked aid stations (three on 10K, one on 5K, one on the 2 mile).  There is also an aid station at the finish line.
• Medical support
• Chip timing – accurate and timely posting of results.  2 mile fun run is untimed.  
• Post-race PIE! 
• FREE Kids Race for Treasure (see below for details)
• Awards ceremony with fun contests and lots of giveaways (see below for details)
• FREE photo downloads post-race (professional photographers will be at the race)
• Lower pricing for Youth 5-17 and Seniors 65+.  Free entry into the 2M fun fun for kids 4-U (t-shirt not included).

STAGING AREA:  Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel (161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

WEDNESDAY, 11/25/26 (Early Check-in - OPTIONAL, but encouraged)

• 4pm-6pm:  Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up @ Great Meadow Park Pavilion

THANKSGIVING DAY, THURSDAY, 11/26/26 (Race Day)

• 7am-8:30am:  Check-in / Packet Pick-up (check-in only if you did not pick up your packet on Wed)
• 7:50am:  10K Race Brief at the start line
• 8:00am:  10K Start
• 8:10am:  5K Race Brief at the start line
• 8:20am:  5K Start
• 8:30am:  2M Race Brief at the start line
• 8:40am:  2M Start
• 8:50am:  2M Fun Run Start (untimed)
• 9am-10:15am:  PIE, music, awards, contests
• 9:30am:  FREE Kids Race for Treasure' (kids 11-U) - Round One
• 9:45am:  Awards (timed races) / Donation to PORCH Briar Chapel
• 10am:  Contests / Giveaways
• 10:15am:  FREE Kids 'Race for Treasure' (kids 11-U) - Round Two for any kids that missed the first one

PORCH Briar Chapel helps put food on the table of those in need in our community.  Many donations go to the CORA FOOD PANTRY which provides emergency food to individuals and families in Chatham County.  They also provide children who attend the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsboro with fresh produce and a bag of nonperishables on a monthly basis.  During registration, please consider donating to support their great work.  Roadless Races will match 10% of funds collected.  

PORCH Briar Chapel will also be at Birds of a Feather collecting cash and canned/boxed food donations.  Their greatest need for the holiday season is mac and cheese, rice, mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, cornbread mix, fruit cups, canned veggies, pie/cookie/brownie mix, cinnamon, and any spices.  Please consider bringing an item to contribute. 

Thank you for supporting such a great cause.  

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends.  Run with Your Flock.  Some helpful info for families:  

• We are offering lower youth 5-17 and senior 65+ pricing to make it just a little easier to Run with Your Flock.   
• Kids 4-U may participate for FREE in the 2 mile fun run, under the supervision/consent of their parent/guardian (registration is required for parent and child).  All kids 4-U will receive a bib, but t-shirts are not included for the little ones. If you would like to purchase a tee for your 4-U child, extra t-shirts will be available for purchase during online registration until 11/10/26.    
• For safety reasons, the minimum age for the 2M race is 5 years old, 6 years old for the 5K, and 8 years old for the 10K.  Racers must be at least 10 years old to run unaccompanied.  Racers 8-9 MUST run WITH (alongside) a registered parent or guardian, unless approved by the race director (email info@roadlessraces.com to request approval).  Racers 7-U MUST run WITH (alongside) a registered parent or guardian.   
• We have added additional age group awards for the kids for both the 2M and 5K timed races.  Our normal 13-U age group has been broken up to 5-8 (2M) and 6-8 (5K), 9-10, and 11-13. 
• The FREE Kids Race for Treasure starts at 9:30am.  ALL KIDS 11-U (including those that completed the 2 mile or the 5K) are invited to participate.
• Strollers that are appropriate for the trail ARE PERMITTED on the 2 mile fun run. (such as a BOB stroller, for instance).  If using a stroller, PLEASE START AT THE BACK, behind the runners and walkers.
• Strollers ARE NOT PERMITTED on the 5K or 10K courses because there are some root and rock filled sections that will be frustrating (and potentially dangerous) to navigate.  Strollers are NOT PERMITTED in the 2 mile timed race.
• For the safety of all participants, pets are NOT PERMITTED on either course.
• PLEASE, DO NOT give your bib to someone else.  This will make the results, age group, and overall awards incorrect.  If you need to transfer your registration, you may do so prior to race day (by 11/24/26) by going to your runsignup account, selecting 'Transfer to Someone Else' in the menu, and following the instructions.

At 9:30am and 10:15am, kids 11-under are invited to participate in the FREE Kids Race for Treasure.  All kids are welcome to participate and parents are encouraged to line the race course to cheer them on.  Registration is not required for the kids race.  We will match kids in age groups (3-U, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and start each group separately on a short out and back ‘race course’ in the large field near the staging area.  After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!    

Awards (1st-5th place tumblers) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) for top five overall M/F for the 2M, 5K, and 10K timed races.  Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) for the top three M/F 2M, 5K, and 10K timed race competitors in each age group.

Race age groups: 5-8 (2M), 6-8 (5K), 8-10 (10K), 9-10, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Runners and volunteers are invited to join the contests - fun stuff such as push-ups, squats, sprint, cornhole, rock/paper/scissors, etc, etc.  Contest winners receive NICE swag like Goodr sunglasses or race merchandise and ALL who participate receive an item of swag.  After the contests, we randomly select winners of the rest of the swag - more great stuff such as Goodr sunglasses, gift certificates, running gear, and Roadless Races merchandise. 

Anyone that wears a costume will receive an item of swag at the awards ceremony.

Adventures are more fun with family and friends, so create a team and invite your crew to join you. Creating or joining a team is simple during or after registration.  NOTE:  This is not a relay so all team members will still be running their own race.