Zelda 4 Hour

The Zelda 4-Hour Trail Race is a timed endurance event held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Rob Wallace Park in Midland, North Carolina. Now in its sixth year, the race serves as a fundraiser for the Greater Charlotte SPCA (GCSPCA), combining competitive trail running with animal rescue efforts. Participants are challenged to complete as many 2-mile laps as possible within the four-hour time limit, though completing just one lap earns an official finisher status.

The course is specifically designed to be fast and non-technical, utilizing the Rob Wallace Park Main Trail System. The loop circles the park’s quarry lake, providing a scenic but flat trajectory ideal for setting personal distance records. In early May, Midland typically experiences mild spring weather with average highs of 24°C (75°F). The event features a unique interactive element where the GCSPCA hosts an on-site adoption event, encouraging runners to take foster dogs for a lap to increase their visibility for potential forever homes.

Logistically, the event is supported by a single aid station at the start/finish line, which provides basic hydration, snacks, and hot food, including a grilled lunch for all runners. Packet pickup is available on Friday, May 1, at Pour 64 in Mint Hill, or on race morning starting at 8:00 AM at the park pavilion. All finishers receive a race t-shirt and a themed medal designed as a dog collar and tag. Historical top performances at the event include Brad Popple’s 2023 record of 31.5 miles and Jamie Fowler’s 2022 mark of 30.8 miles, highlighting the speed potential of the 2-mile circuit.