Try the Trail

Get ready to hit the trails and have some fun! The Try the Trail youth trail run is a family-friendly event designed for kids and teens ages 4 to 16 who want to enjoy running outdoors on scenic trails at Katonah Memorial Park.

Participants can choose the distance that’s right for them:

• Half-Mile Run - 1 loop around the course
• Full-Mile Run - 2 loops of the course

The trail course is easy to follow and perfect for beginners and young runners looking to try something new. Whether your child is racing for time or just enjoying the fresh air and movement, this event is a great way to build confidence, stay active, and have fun in a supportive, positive environment.

Come run, explore, and enjoy the trail!

The course will take place on the trails located behind Katonah Memorial Park. Final course details, including distance and layout, will be communicated closer to race day. The course is subject to change based on weather, trail conditions, and safety considerations.

Check-in

All participants must check in before the run. Check-in will open at 7am and is located near the start/finish area. Families are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for check-in, using the restroom, and getting settled before the start.

Race Day Flow

 • Participants will gather at the start area

 • A brief pre-run overview will be given

 • Runners will start individually and head onto the trail

 • Volunteers will guide runners along the course

 • Parents and guardians will wait at the designated finish area to cheer

The finish area will be clearly marked, and volunteers will be there to support runners as they finish.

To help ensure a safe and positive experience for all participants, we ask parents and guardians to review and respect the following expectations:

 • Parents and guardians may not run on the course with participants.

 • Parents may wait and cheer from the finish area only.

 • Participants should be comfortable navigating the course independently.

 • Volunteers and staff are positioned throughout the course to provide guidance and support.

 • Parents should ensure their child is wearing appropriate footwear and clothing for trail conditions.

 • Parents should communicate any relevant medical or safety concerns to event staff prior to the start.

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where kids can build confidence and enjoy the experience of trail running.

What is Try the Trail?

Try the Trail is a non-competitive youth trail run created to give kids a positive, confidence-building introduction to trail running. The focus is on participation, movement, and enjoying the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment.

Who can participate? 

Try the Trail is open to youth participants of all abilities. There are no age groups or competitive divisions. Each child is encouraged to participate at their own pace.

Is this a race?

No. Try the Trail is a fun run, not a race. There are no rankings, results, or awards. Every participant is celebrated for showing up and giving it a try.

Can parents run with their child?

For safety reasons, parents and guardians are not permitted to run on the course with participants. Parents may wait and cheer from the finish area.

What is the course like?

The course is on a properly and carefully marked trail. As with all trail running, participants should expect natural trail conditions, including:

 • Muddy sections

 • Rocks and roots

 • Uneven terrain

These elements are part of the trail experience.

How is the course supervised?

The course will be:

 • Clearly marked throughout

 • Staffed with volunteers positioned along the course

 • Supported by event staff to help guide and monitor participants

Safety is our top priority.

What should participants wear?

 • Comfortable athletic clothing

 • Sneakers with good traction (trail shoes optional)

 • Weather-appropriate layers

What should participants bring?

 • A water bottle

 • A change of clothes and a towel, especially if the course is muddy

 • Sunscreen and/or bug spray, as needed

 • A positive attitude and willingness to try something new

What is the registration policy?

All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What happens in case of inclement weather?

Try the Trail will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, the event may be delayed, modified, or canceled. Any updates will be communicated to registered participants via email and social media.

Who organizes Try the Trail?

Try the Trail is produced by Christina Collins and Jess Belanger, the same team behind Tri the Park, with a mission to create inclusive, kid-friendly outdoor events that encourage lifelong movement.

Packet pickup for Try the Trail will take place on Friday, April 25 from 8:00-10:00am at Katonah Memorial Park.

Parking

Parking will be available at Katonah Memorial Park located at 38 High Street in Katonah, NY. Please follow all posted signs and instructions from volunteers on race day.

Directions

Detailed directions, parking information, and any location-specific updates will be sent to registered families via email closer to race day.

Families should plan extra time for parking and walking to the start/check-in area.

Trail running takes place on natural terrain. While the course is carefully selected, clearly marked, and monitored by volunteers, participants should be aware that trail conditions may include:

 • Uneven surfaces

 • Rocks and tree roots

 • Mud or wet areas

 • Changes in elevation

These conditions are part of trail running. Participants are expected to run, jog, or walk with awareness and caution. By registering, parents and guardians acknowledge the inherent risks associated with trail running and agree that participation is at their discretion.

Try the Trail will take place rain or shine.

Trail conditions may be muddy or wet, which is part of the trail running experience. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and trail conditions.

In the event of severe or unsafe weather, including but not limited to lightning, extreme heat, or dangerous trail conditions, the event may be delayed, modified, or canceled. Any weather-related decisions will be communicated to registered participants via email and social media as soon as possible.

No refunds, credits or transfers will be issued due to weather-related or safety-related changes.

🌲 Real trails, real fun

You’ll run on dirt paths through the woods. You might see mud, rocks, and tree roots - that’s part of trail running!

👟 No special gear needed

Regular sneakers with good traction work great. Trail shoes are optional.

🐢 Go at your own pace

Run, jog, or walk - all are welcome. There’s no pressure to go fast or run the whole way.

🙌 Help along the way

Friendly volunteers will be positioned along the course to cheer you on and help guide runners.

🏁 Start and finish cheers

Parents and guardians will be waiting at the finish area to support and celebrate you.

😊 Trying is the win

Try something new, enjoy being outside, and feel proud when you finish!

Footwear

 • Comfortable sneakers with good traction

 • Trail shoes are optional, not required

Clothing

 • Athletic clothing your child can move comfortably in

 • Weather-appropriate layers

 • Clothes that can get dirty or muddy

After the run

 • A change of clothes

 • A towel, especially if the trail is wet or muddy

Bring

 • Water bottle

 • Sunscreen and/or bug spray if needed