Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run

Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run

Sunday, July 26, 2026 8:30 am

East Fork State Park, Bethel, OH

Race Overview:

• Origin: The East Fork SP Trail Run is where the Dirt Days Trail Series all began.
• Course: The race will take place on the well-established Backpack Trail, which is densely wooded, giving runners an Appalachian Trail feel.
• Distance: A 5.6 mile course that reverses direction each year.
• Note: Previously called the Backpack Trail Run to avoid confusion about wearing backpacks.

Registration:

• Method: All registration will be done online, including on race day.
• Trekker Category: A category for those who need more time to finish the 10+ mile course, starting at 8:00 am instead of 8:30 am.
• New Addition: A Trekker category for the 5+ mile event has been added for 2026.
• Finish Benefits: This option allows participants to finish before food is gone and receive time and participation credit.

Location:

• Venue: East Fork Lake Ohio State Park
• Park Link: Link to East Fork State Park Web Page
• GPS Coordinates: 39.016999, -84.133509
• Race Start: Begins and ends at the South beach on the SOUTH side of the lake: use Route 125, not Route 32.

Start Time:

• 5.4 Mile Race: The one-lap race and the two-lap 10.6 Mile event will start at 8:30 am.
• Trekker Start: Begins at 8:00 am for participants needing extra time.
• Time Recording: All times will be recorded regardless of the distance.
• Course Sweeping: Course sweeps begin at 9:30 am, and the first lap must be completed by then.

The Course:

• Trail: The race takes place on the established Backpack Trail.
• Direction: Course reverses direction each year: clockwise in even years, counterclockwise in odd years (clockwise for 2026).

Awards:

• Individual Awards: Age-based awards for each event.
• Prize Drawings: Random prize drawings for each event, including Altra shoes (no duplicates).

Registration Fee:

• Fee: $23.50, online registration only.
• Kids Discount: $5 discount for kids 14 and under at checkout.

Season Pass:

• Pass Available: A season pass covers all eight events in the Dirt Days Trail Series.
• More Info: More information.

Race Day Registration and Check-In:

• Time: 7:10 am to 8:15 am: registration available online.

Trail Series Shirts:

• Availability: Dirt Days Trail Series Shirts for purchase at the Fleet Feet Tent on Race Day.
• Price: Shirts available for $20.