Tröegs Rugged Trail 5K Run for Conservation

🏃‍♂️ Tröegs Rugged Trail Run for Conservation

Celebrate with us at our annual Tröegs Rugged Trail Run for Conservation! We are geared up for making this another successful fundraiser in support of the Ned Smith Center's lands and trails system. The Center boasts a beautiful woodland setting with over 9 miles of trails winding through 500+ acres of land, a scenic bridge over the Wiconisco Creek, a children’s natural play area, three rotating art galleries featuring the art of Ned Smith and various national and local artists, a gift shop, and innovative educational programming for all ages. The Center is thrilled to partner with Tröegs Brewing Company for this exciting event! All proceeds will support the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.

🕔 Race Schedule

The race will begin at 5pm for the Hopback Trail and around 5:10pm for the Rugged Trail. Following the race, enjoy an after-party featuring:

• Live Music: Experience entertainment after the race.
• Basket Raffle: Exciting prizes up for grabs!
• Food and Drink: Refreshments available for attendees.
• Awards Ceremony: Commencing around 7pm: presence is not required for award winners.

🐾 Dogs and Pets

While the Ned Smith Center is pet friendly, we do not allow dogs to participate in the race. They may cheer their runner on from the finish line and enjoy the after-party. Dogs may also be spectators around the trails.

📸 Share Your Photos

This year we will feature your own photos #TroegsRugged5K or you can tag @TroegsBeer or @nedsmithcenter on Twitter. Please share your photos of the event for more race day fun.

📝 Registration Information

Early Bird registration is $45 for ages 13+ (12 and under is $15) and ends at midnight on April 30, 2025. Starting May 01, 2025, the price will increase to $50. Day-of Registration will be $55 for ages 13+ (12 and under is $20).

• Inclusions: Registration includes a Rugged Trail Run 5K t-shirt, a pizza token, a Tröegs Rugged Trail Ale token, and a SWAG bag.
• Availability: T-shirts and SWAG bags will be available for same-day registration as supplies last.

📦 Packet Pick-up/Check-in

Runners may pick up their packets and check in early at the Ned Smith Center Gift Shop from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Friday, September 19th, or on the race day from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM. Remember to:

• Show ID: Adult runners will need to present ID for a wristband prior to the race.
• Snacks: Bring snacks to fuel up and water bottles: outside food and beverages are not allowed.

⏰ Event Times

The schedule for the race events is as follows:

• 5:00 PM: Start for Hopback Trail
• 5:10 PM: Start for Rugged Trail
• Post-Race Party: Begins at 5:30 PM, ending at 10:00 PM!

🚶‍♀️ Event Routes

TWO routes will be available:

• The HopBack Trail: This route is walker-friendly and is great for beginners and intermediate trail runners, running along the Wiconisco (or Wic) Creek.
• The Rugged Trail: Designed for a more challenging elevation experience with a 700 ft climb through the woods of Berry Mountain.

👕 T-Shirts

Unisex XS - XXL available. You MUST register by August 16th to be guaranteed a shirt in the requested size.

🏆 Awards

The top male and female runners for each race will receive Overall Winner awards, with special prizes for the top male and female for each trail. Age Group Winners will be awarded for categories of:

• 19 & Under
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60+

🎉 Post-Race Party

Stick around for the post-race party featuring live music, food for purchase, and handcrafted beer from Tröegs Brewing Company. Limited Edition: The Rugged Trail Ale, brewed specifically for this event, will be featured.

🍕 All Race Participants Will Receive:

• 5K Race Shirt
• A FREE pour of Tröegs beer (for participants age 21+) or Root Beer (for participants under 21)
• A FREE slice of pizza from DB's Pizzeria & Pub, Halifax.
• Trail mix, bananas, and other goodies will be available after the race.

🌳 More About Each Trail

EVENT: HOPBACK TRAIL (BEGINNER)
The HopBack Trail is walker-friendly and is a great option for beginner and intermediate trail runners, taking you along the Wiconisco Creek and through the Nature Discovery Play Area at the Center.

EVENT: RUGGED TRAIL 5K
The Rugged Trail features challenging elevations and terrain for a more rugged trail experience with a 700 ft elevation climb designed to be exhilarating and exhausting.

For further details and registration, visit here.