Tröegs Rugged Trail 5K Run for Conservation

Celebrate with us at our annual Tröegs Rugged Trail Run for Conservation! We are geared up to make this another successful fundraiser supporting the Ned Smith Center's lands and trail 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.

The race will begin at 5pm for the Hopback Trail and around 5:10pm for the Rugged Trail. Following the race, an after-party featuring live music, a basket raffle, food and drink, and vendors. The awards ceremony will commence around 7pm. Winners do not need to be present to receive their awards, but Raffle winners must be present to collect their baskets.

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.

This year we will feature your own photos using #TroegsRugged5K, or you can tag @TroegsBeer on X or tag the Ned Smith Center on Facebook @Ned_Smith_Center. Please share your event photos for more race-day fun.

 *Note - while the trails remain open for public use during the race, only runners who have registered are allowed to run the courses with the group. Signs will be posted along the course to inform hikers of the pending race.* 

Registration: Early Bird registration is $45 for ages 13+ (12 and under is $15) ends at midnight on April 30, 2027.  Starting May 01, 2027, the price will increase to $50.  Day-of Registration will be $55 for ages 13+ (12 and under is $20).  Registration includes a Rugged Trail Run 5K t-shirt, a pizza token, a Tröegs Rugged Trail Ale token, and a SWAG bag. 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 18th, or check in on race day from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM. Adult runners and attendees celebrating post-race at the beer stand must show their ID and receive a wristband before the race. IDs will NOT be checked post-race at the beer stand. Snacks to help you fuel up and water bottles are welcome, but please refrain from bringing other outside food and beverages. Thank you for your cooperation.

TIMES: 
5:00 PM Start for Hopback Trail
5:10 PM Start for Rugged Trail
Post-Race Party: Begins at 5:30 PM and ends at 10:00 PM!

TWO routes will be available:

The HopBack Trail: This route is walker-friendly and is a great option for beginning and intermediate trail runners. This trail follows Wiconisco (or Wic) Creek along the property, then brings you to the beautiful rail trail before crossing the creek and through our Nature Discovery Play Area at the Center. 

The Rugged Trail: This route features more challenging elevation and terrain, perfect for those looking for a more “rugged” trail experience. This trail features a 700 ft elevation climb through the woods of Berry Mountain.  This course is designed to be both exhilarating and exhausting. 

Race volunteers will be along each route to ensure competitors are on the correct path and in case of an emergency. 

SHIRTS: Unisex XS - XXL available. You MUST register by Sunday, August 15, 2027 to be guaranteed a shirt in the requested size.

AWARDS: The top male and female runners for each race will be awarded Overall Winners spots, with the top male and female for each trail receiving a special prize. Age Group Winners will be awarded to the top male and female runner in each age category:  19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60. 

Stick around for a post-race party, featuring live music on the DeSoto Amphitheater stage!  Food will be available for purchase. Handcrafted beer from Tröegs Brewing Company will be featured during this event while supplies last  Limited Edition: The Rugged Trail Ale is brewed specially for this event and will be the featured beer at the stand.  

ALL race participants will receive:

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