Rocks and Roots Winter Series

presented by:

Go outside and do things!

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Explore the trails with us this winter in our 13th annual Rocks and Roots Winter Trail Series in January and February! Choose from distances of 10K, 20K, 30K, 40K, or 50K at both dates.

Opt to run just one of the races, or sign up for both races and receive the Trail Package, which includes our RnR Hoody, Feetures Socks, and a RnR Water Bottle! Keep reading to learn more!

Our 2027 events will be held on Sunday, January 24th and Sunday, February 21st. We are again partnering with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to put on our annual trail running series at Alum Creek State Park. Just like in the past you have the option to sign up for 2 event dates and a WIDE variety of distances, on the only trail in Ohio built for runners, by runners, the Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek! 

Interested in volunteering for one of our races? Earn free entries or money off at Fleet Feet Columbus! CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!

When -  Sunday, January 24th and February 21st. 

• ALL races will begin at:  8:00am 

What -   10K, 20K, 30K 40K & 50K Trail Racing Series

Where -  Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek State Park. The start of the race is located just off of Hollenback Rd and just south of the dog park(3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035). Watch for yellow Fleet Feet arrows pointing you in the right direction!!

Why run Rocks and Roots?!

The Central Ohio Trail Running Community continues to grow and we are excited to provide you with the resources our trail community needs! Join the Rocks and Roots Trail Runners Association for training runs and trail works days as we ramp up for the annual Rocks and Roots Trail Series!nique, flat, fast course!

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One entry fee gets you entry into both events on the Trails!!  Plus, you get:

• Series Package (included in registration for series that include BOTH dates)

  • 1 hooded sweatshirt (unisex/mens sizing)

  • 1 Pair Socks

  • (Trail Running Package is limited to the first 300 who register for the entire series)

• 5 distances to choose from

• 1 unique event shirt (gender specific sizing) at the January race

• 1 event buff at the February race.

• Finisher Medals to all participants

Not sure you can commit to both races?  You have the option to sign up for each event individually! But, you don’t get the Trail Running Package � January registrants receive the event tee. February registrants receive the buff.

Cost for the series -  (Includes both race dates and the Trail Package!)

• $150 through September 30

• $175 October 1 through November 30

• $200 December 1 through Race # 1

Cost for individual events -  (Shirt/Medal Only, Trail Package NOT included).

• $75 through September 30

• $85 October 1 through November 30

• $100 December 1 through Race # 1​

If you wish to change to a different distance than you signed up for, you must notify Fleet Feet at  [email protected] .

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Please note:  The Rocks and Roots Trail Series has a NO REFUND and NO BIB TRANSFER policy for all events. ​

Packet Pick Up - YOU WILL HAVE A UNIQUE BIB FOR EACH RACE!

• January event – January 9th-10th at Fleet Feet Sports (1270 E Powell Rd, 43035)

• February event – February 13th-14th at Fleet Feet Sports (1270 E Powell Rd, 43035

• Race day packet pickup will beginning at 7am at the race site.

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Parking: Parking can be found in the lots surrounding the start/finish area; some runners may be able to parking along the northern edge of the road leading into the trailhead area.

Those not running in the 50K are encouraged to park in the Marina parking lot, and leave spots in the closer lots for the 50K runners (so they can have closer access to their vehicles if they need to.

Cut-Off Time:  The course closes for 50Kers at 4:00pm (8 hour limit – 15:27 pace for 50K). All 50K participants must begin their 4th lap before 1:00pm. All 50K participants must begin their 5th and final lap before 2:20pm.

​ Drop Bags:  We will have a tent (or two or three) designated for drop bags located at the 10K loop start/finish, and can be accessed after completing each loop.

Aid Stations:  Aid stations will be located at the 10K loop start/finish, at 2.5 miles on the north loop, and the 10K lap point, and around 8.7 miles (2.5 miles into the south loop). Aid stations will be stocked with water, Gatorade, and other delicious treats as determined by our amazing core of volunteers! And of course, we will have our world famous soup waiting for you at the start/finish line.

​ The Course:  The Rocks & Roots Trail Series is aptly named as there are a LOT of rocks and roots. You will encounter stream crossings. Rocks & Roots are likely to be covered by leaves, snow,  and or mud! See map below!

• There will be at least one water crossing depending on course conditions! Please walk and run only on marked trails. Running off trail, including just off to the side of the worn path, damages the ecosystem, and causes unrepairable damage to the trail.

• The course is comprised of two 10K loops held primarily on single track trail. Runners will run the north and south loops in a figure 8. 1st loop runs to the NORTH loop and is run clockwise, 2nd loop is run SOUTH and is run counter-clockwise. Repeat as necessary!  Loops are repeated as necessary based on selected race distance.

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RESULTS & PICS ​

January 11, 2026 -  Results     Photos

February 15, 2026 -  Results     Photos

January 12, 2025 -  Results  

February 16, 2025 -  Results  -  Photos  

January 14, 2024 –  Results  –  Photos

February 18, 2024 –  Results  –  Photos

January 15, 2023 –  Results  –  Photos

February 19, 2023 –  Results  –  Photos

January 16, 2022 –  Results  –  Photos

February 20, 2022 –  Results  –  Photos

2021 Winter COVID Challenge –  Results  –  Photos

January 12, 2020 –  Results  –  Photos

February 16, 2020 –  Results  –  Photos

January 6, 2019 –  Results  –  Photos

February 10, 2019 –  Results  –  Photos

January 9, 2018 –  Results  –  Photos

February 10, 2018 –  Results  –  Photos

January 8, 2017 –  Results   –   Photos

February 12, 2017 –  Results   –  Photos

January 10, 2016 –  Results  –  Photos  

February 7, 2016 –  Results  –  Photos ​

January 11, 2015 –    10K      20K    30K    40K    50K   Album 1    Album 2   

February 8, 2015 –    10K      20K      30K      40K       50K     50 Mile       Album 1     Album 2    Album 3   

 January 12, 2014 –    10K      20K      30K      40K       50K     Photos

February 9, 2014 –    10K      20K      30K      40K       50K     Photos

  January 20, 2013 –  10K        20K       30K      40K       50K        Pics

 February 17, 2013 –  10K        20K        30K        40K        50K         Pics