Tröegs Rugged Trail 5K Run for Conservation

Celebrate with us at our annual Tröegs Rugged Trail Run for Conservation! We are geared up for making this another successful fundraiser in support of the Ned Smith Center's lands and trails 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 #TroegsRugged5K or your can tag @TroegsBeer or @nedsmithcenter on Twitter. Please share your photos of the event 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, 2026.  Starting May 01, 2026, 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 19th, or runners may check in on the day of the race from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM. For adult runners and attendees cerebrating post race at the beer stand, please plan to show your ID and receive a wristband prior to the race. IDs will NOT be check 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, ending 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 will take you along the Wiconisco (or Wic) Creek that runs along the property and will bring you around to the beautiful rail trail before crossing over the creek and through our Nature Discovery Play Area at the Center. 

The Rugged Trail: This route features more challenging elevations and terrain, perfect for those who are 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 August 16th 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 categories:  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

EVENT: HOPBACK TRAIL (BEGINNER)

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

EVENT: RUGGED TRAIL 5K

The Rugged Trail: This route features more challenging elevations and terrain, perfect for those who are 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.