The SMR Mayapple Trail Runs is a long-standing community event held in the South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, New Jersey. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, the 17th annual edition of the race is organized by the volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy (SMC). The event serves as a primary fundraiser for the preservation and maintenance of the 2,110-acre park forest.
Race Categories and TimingThe event offers a wide range of distances, providing a supportive environment for both first-time trail runners and elite ultrarunners. The course officially closes 13 hours after the first start time.
| Category | Distance | Start Time | Loop Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Miler | 50 Miles | 8:30 AM | 5 Loops (E, W, E, W, E) |
| 50K Ultra | 31 Miles | 8:30 AM | 3 Loops (E, W, E) |
| 20 Miler | 20 Miles | 9:30 AM | 2 Loops (W, E) |
| 10 Miler | 10 Miles | 9:30 AM | 1 Loop (W) |
| 5 Miler | 5 Miles | 9:30 AM | Special W-E circuit |
The course utilizes the valley floor and two ridges of the reservation. The east and west loops combined total approximately 1,500 feet of total ascent.
The race is unique for its high accessibility via public transit from the New York City area.
May 16, 2026
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
08:30
$115.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
08:30
$85.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 16.1K
Type — Running
09:30
$40.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 32.2K
Type — Running
09:30
$60.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 8K
Type — Running
09:30
$30.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 1.6K
Type — Running
10:00
$10.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Short Hills.
Learn more about the host city, Short Hills.
Short Hills is an unincorporated area in New Jersey, United States.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the SMR Mayapple Trail Runs.
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