Wild Goose Trail Festival

About the Event

The Wild Goose Trail Festival returns to Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt, New Jersey on September 19th through the 20th, 2026, offering a diverse range of trail running events for all levels and ages. The festival spans three days, with activities kicking off as early as Friday evening and continuing into Saturday and Sunday. Participants can choose from various distances including an ultra-challenging 100 miler to more manageable options like the half marathon or even the family-friendly one-mile kids run. All events are set against the backdrop of Wawayanda State Park, known for its scenic trails winding through diverse landscapes.

100 Miler
160.9K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $285.00

100K
100K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $155.00

36 Hour
36 Hours • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $285.00

50 Miler
80.5K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $125.00

Hardship Entry
Start: 07:00:00

50K
50K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $110.00

1 Mile Kids Run
1.6K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $15.00

10K
10K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $50.00

30K
30K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $105.00

Half Marathon
21.1K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $80.00

The morning atmosphere at the Wild Goose Trail Festival is characterized by early risers gathering around 7:00 AM to start their runs and hikes. The temperature typically ranges between a cool low of about 14°C and a comfortable high of approximately 23°C, with an average humidity level of 77%, making for a humid but generally pleasant running environment. Trail conditions are firm yet slightly soft underfoot, providing both traction and cushioning on the challenging terrain.
The Wild Goose Trail Festival has been enriching the community in Hewitt since its inception as part of Bigger Than The Trail's efforts to advocate for mental health through trail running events. Over the years, it has attracted hundreds of runners each year who come together not just to compete but also to support a worthy cause. Participants and spectators alike are drawn by the festival’s unique blend of challenging distances, scenic trails, and its commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues.
For those looking to participate in the Wild Goose Trail Festival, registration is available online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132636. Entry fees vary depending on distance: $285 for both the 100 Miler and the 36 Hour event; $155 for the 100K; $125 for the 50 Miler; $110 for the 50K, $105 for the 30K; $80 for the half marathon; $50 for the 10K run and only $15 for kids running in the one-mile event. Bib pickup will be available at Wawayanda State Park on Friday evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, where participants must bring a photo ID.
The start location is situated along Warwick Turnpike Road near its intersection with Hewitt's local landmarks. For those participating in the longer distances, it’s important to note that age requirements are flexible but all runners under 18 need parental consent signed on race day at bib pick-up time or upon registration. First-time participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions and terrain challenges by checking trail maps and bringing appropriate gear.
The Wild Goose Trail Festival in Hewitt, New Jersey from September 19th to the 20th is a must-attend event for trail runners of all levels seeking both challenging courses and meaningful community involvement. The festival’s commitment to mental health advocacy through Bigger Than The Trail makes it particularly significant as an annual gathering that goes beyond athletic competition.

Races Offered

100 Miler

Sep 19, 2026

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Distance — 160.9K

terrain

Type — Running

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07:00

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$285.00

100K

Sep 19, 2026

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Distance — 100K

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Type — Running

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07:00

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$155.00

36 Hour

Sep 19, 2026

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Distance — 36 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

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07:00

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$285.00

50 Miler

Sep 19, 2026

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Distance — 80.5K

terrain

Type — Running

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07:00

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$125.00

50K

Sep 20, 2026

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Distance — 50K

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Type — Running

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07:00

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$110.00

1 Mile Kids Run

Sep 20, 2026

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Distance — 1.6K

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Type — Running

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09:00

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$15.00

10K

Sep 20, 2026

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Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$50.00

30K

Sep 20, 2026

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Distance — 30K

terrain

Type — Running

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09:00

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$105.00

Half Marathon

Sep 20, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

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Type — Running

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09:00

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$80.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Hewitt.

thermostat Temperature

14.0° / 22.6°

wb_sunny Feels like

12.8° / 21.8°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

8h 57m

water_drop Avg rainfall

3.5 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

9.3 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

77.0%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:38

nightlight Sunset

19:04

About Hewitt

Learn more about the host city, Hewitt.

Hewitt is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within West Milford Township in Passaic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The area is served as United States Postal Service ZIP Code 07421. It is named for Abram Hewitt. As of the 2020 census, Hewitt had a population of 1,912.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Race Results

All-time top performances and historical records for Wild Goose Trail Festival.

Place	Name	Gender	Age	Year	City	Time
🥇	Ben Emmett	M	38	'24	—	24:34:03
🥈	Michael Kern	M	28	'25	—	20:52:09
🥉	Scott Myers	M	47	'25	—	21:00:17
4	Matt Clidas	M	34	'25	—	22:01:09
5	David Matthews	M	41	'24	—	22:28:28
6	David Cavanaugh	M	44	'25	—	22:38:08
7	Billy Busch	M	41	'25	—	22:41:45
8	David Lantz	M	35	'24	—	22:46:25
9	Jacob Mooney	M	45	'25	—	23:31:42
10	Ryan Pottorf	M	37	'24	—	24:15:45

Place	Name	Gender	Age	Year	City	Time
🥇	Vanessa Kline	F	44	'25	—	26:06:32
🥈	Stephanie Stonebraker	F	42	'25	—	27:22:22
🥉	Kelly Sheridan	F	33	'24	—	29:22:48
4	Daisy Weill	F	37	'25	—	30:00:22
5	Kyla Alterman	F	33	'25	—	27:28:29
6	Sharlota Kay	F	41	'24	—	27:40:52
7	Julie Alexander	F	41	'25	—	27:44:58
8	Madison Oboikowitsch	F	31	'24	—	27:48:29
9	Lee Conner	F	50	'23	—	29:28:56
10	Gabrielle Pedersen	F	37	'25	—	29:49:09