Ralf Waldo Emerson Trail Race

The Ralph Waldo Emerson Trail Race is an annual community-focused event held at Winant Park in Concord, New Hampshire. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the race offers a mix of technical singletrack and flowing nordic-style paths. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for the Ralph Waldo Emerson School for Preschoolers, blending local athletic competition with support for early childhood education.

The event is divided into two primary distances that cater to different experience levels. Both races utilize the interconnected trail systems of West Concord.

The geography of Winant Park is characterized by its high-density trail network featuring numerous switchbacks and sudden elevation shifts. Runners can expect technical footwork on windy singletrack that climbs toward vista points offering panoramic views of the New Hampshire State House and the surrounding capital area. In early May, Concord typically sees mild spring conditions, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) in the morning to 18°C (64°F) by midday. The trails are generally well-shaded by mixed hardwood forests, though spring runoff can occasionally make low-lying sections of the Swope Trails soft or muddy.

Logistically, the event is centralized at 274 Pleasant Street. Bib pick-up begins on-site at 9:00 AM and remains open until five minutes before the respective race starts. Unlike many regional races, the organizers offer a flexible refund policy available upon request up until the start of the event, though bib transfers are not permitted. The race provides a unique opportunity for runners to experience the intersection of Concord’s urban downtown and its extensive conservation lands.