17th Annual Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail Run

17th Annual Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail Run

The 17th annual Chestnut Ridge Trail Race is on Saturday, Nov 21, 2026.

Location

The race will be run entirely on the camp's single track trails and roads (dirt and gravel) at Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in beautiful Efland, NC. The course will feature rolling hills through old hardwood forests. This is a trail run. There is uneven terrain, rocks, roots, horse poo and sometimes mud/water on the trails.

Race Options

• 1 mile Fun Run/Walk: perfect for kids, families and people who would enjoy a hike around the lake.
• 5K Run: great for runners of all ability levels. Walkers are welcome on the 5K run.
• 8 Mile Run: for those willing to go the distance!

Both 5K and 8 mile races will close at 12:00pm.

Please, Please no pets or baby strollers in the race.

If needed, camp staff will be providing childcare while you run the race.

Event Guidelines

Please, this is a “no headphones” event. This rule is intended to provide a safe and enjoyable trail run for all participants. Running a trail race while wearing headphones means that you can’t hear those who may want to pass safely. Also a good idea for those wanting to pass to give a shout out "on your left/right" just so everyone knows where they are & can safely move out of the way. Please be respectful of these rules for the safety of other runners.

Those that sign up for the virtual race will have their shirts mailed to them.

Beneficiary

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Camp Chestnut Ridge Annual Fund which supports the camping ministry, enhances facilities and equipment, and provides scholarships to help children and youth attend camp. By running in the race you can help send a kid to camp!

Refund Policy

In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Committee or Camp Chestnut Ridge such as, but not limited to inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions: local, state or national emergency: public health emergency, No refunds will be made. Please keep this in mind.

Registration Details

• Cost: $25 for the 1 mile Fun Run/Walk, $35 for the 5K run and $45 for the 8 mile run.
• Registration deadline: Participants registering by Nov 9th will be guaranteed a race shirt. Online registration will close November 20.
• Day-of registration: On Nov 21, if still available, will be $40 for the 5K and $45 for the 8 mile, cash or check only.
• Packet pickup: Early packet pick-up and registration, if still available, will take place at Bull City Running in Durham at Southpoint crossing location Nov 20 from 4pm to 5:45pm. Bull City Running, South Point Crossing, Durham

Awards

Top Male & Female in both 4 and 8ish mile race.

4 mile race:

Male and Female age groups: 1-8, 9-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-70, 70 and beyond

8ish mile race:

Female and Male age groups: 1-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and beyond

Race Day Schedule

8:45 am – 9:45 am: Check-in & packet pick-up
9:30 am: 1 mile Fun Run/Walk starts
10:00 am: 5K run starts
10:15 am: 8 mile run starts
11:35 am: Award ceremony starting with 5K race, then 8 mile awards roughly 10 mins later.
12:00 pm: Races End

More Information

For further details, please visit the official race page: Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail Race.