Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run
- Date Sun 26th July 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Bethel, Ohio
- Price $25.00 - $25.50
- Races 4 races
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating outdoor adventure at the Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run on Sunday, July 26, 2026! Set in the stunning East Fork State Park in Bethel, Clermont, this event promises an unforgettable experience for runners of all levels. Participants will have the option to tackle the beautiful 5.4-mile or the more challenging 10.6-mile course, winding through densely wooded areas that evoke the spirit of the Appalachian Trail. The race will kick off at 8:30 AM, with an early Trekker start at 8:00 AM for those looking to take their time and soak in the scenery.
This year, runners will navigate the course in a clockwise direction, enhancing the thrill of the race as it reverses direction annually. Not only will there be awards for the top male and female finishers, but participants will also have the chance to win exciting prizes through random drawings. With a registration fee of just $22.50, and special discounts for kids 14 and under, this event is accessible for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with nature, embrace the challenge, and be part of this vibrant trail running community. Mark your calendars for July 26 and get
This year, runners will navigate the course in a clockwise direction, enhancing the thrill of the race as it reverses direction annually. Not only will there be awards for the top male and female finishers, but participants will also have the chance to win exciting prizes through random drawings. With a registration fee of just $22.50, and special discounts for kids 14 and under, this event is accessible for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with nature, embrace the challenge, and be part of this vibrant trail running community. Mark your calendars for July 26 and get
Organiser's Description
DIRT DAYS TRAIL SERIES - EAST FORK SP TRAIL RUN
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026 8:30 AM
EAST FORK STATE PARK, BETHEL, OH
SAVE THE DATE AND CHECK BACK SOON WHILE WE FINALIZE THE DETAILS FOR 2026
THE EAST FORK SP TRAIL RUN IS WHERE THE DIRT DAYS TRAIL SERIES ALL BEGAN. AS THE NAME STATES, THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE WELL-ESTABLISHED BACKPACK TRAIL, AT EAST FORK LAKE STATE PARK. THE 5.6 MILE COURSE IS DENSELY WOODED, AND MIGHT GIVE RUNNERS THE FEELING THAT THEY ARE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL. THE COURSE REVERSES DIRECTION EACH YEAR. NOTE: PREVIOUSLY, THIS RACE WAS CALLED THE BACKPACK TRAIL RUN BUT THERE WAS SOME CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER YOU HAD TO WEAR A BACKPACK FOR THE RACE.
ALL REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ONLINE INCLUDING ON RACE DAY.
LOCATION:
East Fork Lake Ohio State Park
LINK TO EAST FORK STATE PARK WEB PAGE [https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/east-fork-state-park]
GPS COORDINATES TO THE BEACH: 39.016999, -84.133509 [https://www.google.com/search?q=39.016999%2C+-84.133509&oq=39.016999%2C+-84.133509&aqs=chrome..69i57.1385j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8]
IMPORTANT - RACE BEGINS AND ENDS AT THE SOUTH BEACH ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAKE. USE ROUTE 125 AND NOT ROUTE 32.
START TIME:
The One-lap 5.4 Mile Race and the two-lap 10.6 Mile event will begin at 8:30 am.
We will also have a Trekker start beginning at 8:00. For those who need extra time or just want to start early, the trekker category is for you. We will record your time regardless of the distance that you run/walk. You will not score for the Dirty Dozen or race day competitive awards but you will count towards participation awards and random drawings.
We will begin to sweep the course around 9:30 so you must complete your first lap by then.
THE COURSE:
As the name states, the race will take place on the well-established Backpack Trail, at East Fork Lake State Park.
The course reverses direction each year. Clockwise in even years. Counterclockwise in odd years. (Clockwise for 2026)
INDIVIDUAL EVENT AWARDS:
The overall top male and overall top female of each event. Age based awards for each event
Random prize drawings for each event
REGISTRATION FEE:
Registration Fee: $22.50. Online Registration Only,
Kids 14 and under will receive a $5 discount at checkout.
SEASON PASS:
We offer a season pass for the entire Dirt Days Trail Series. One price covers all eight events. More information [https://runsignup.com/w/DirtDaysTrailSeries/Page/Info#section-AllInclusiveSeasonPass].
RACE DAY REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN:
7:10 am.- through 8:15 am. Race day registration will be available online.
TRAIL SERIES SHIRTS:
Dirt Days Trail Series Shirts will be available for purchase at the Fleet Feet Tent on Race Day or with your registration for. $20
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026 8:30 AM
EAST FORK STATE PARK, BETHEL, OH
SAVE THE DATE AND CHECK BACK SOON WHILE WE FINALIZE THE DETAILS FOR 2026
THE EAST FORK SP TRAIL RUN IS WHERE THE DIRT DAYS TRAIL SERIES ALL BEGAN. AS THE NAME STATES, THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE WELL-ESTABLISHED BACKPACK TRAIL, AT EAST FORK LAKE STATE PARK. THE 5.6 MILE COURSE IS DENSELY WOODED, AND MIGHT GIVE RUNNERS THE FEELING THAT THEY ARE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL. THE COURSE REVERSES DIRECTION EACH YEAR. NOTE: PREVIOUSLY, THIS RACE WAS CALLED THE BACKPACK TRAIL RUN BUT THERE WAS SOME CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER YOU HAD TO WEAR A BACKPACK FOR THE RACE.
ALL REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ONLINE INCLUDING ON RACE DAY.
LOCATION:
East Fork Lake Ohio State Park
LINK TO EAST FORK STATE PARK WEB PAGE [https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/east-fork-state-park]
GPS COORDINATES TO THE BEACH: 39.016999, -84.133509 [https://www.google.com/search?q=39.016999%2C+-84.133509&oq=39.016999%2C+-84.133509&aqs=chrome..69i57.1385j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8]
IMPORTANT - RACE BEGINS AND ENDS AT THE SOUTH BEACH ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAKE. USE ROUTE 125 AND NOT ROUTE 32.
START TIME:
The One-lap 5.4 Mile Race and the two-lap 10.6 Mile event will begin at 8:30 am.
We will also have a Trekker start beginning at 8:00. For those who need extra time or just want to start early, the trekker category is for you. We will record your time regardless of the distance that you run/walk. You will not score for the Dirty Dozen or race day competitive awards but you will count towards participation awards and random drawings.
We will begin to sweep the course around 9:30 so you must complete your first lap by then.
THE COURSE:
As the name states, the race will take place on the well-established Backpack Trail, at East Fork Lake State Park.
The course reverses direction each year. Clockwise in even years. Counterclockwise in odd years. (Clockwise for 2026)
INDIVIDUAL EVENT AWARDS:
The overall top male and overall top female of each event. Age based awards for each event
Random prize drawings for each event
REGISTRATION FEE:
Registration Fee: $22.50. Online Registration Only,
Kids 14 and under will receive a $5 discount at checkout.
SEASON PASS:
We offer a season pass for the entire Dirt Days Trail Series. One price covers all eight events. More information [https://runsignup.com/w/DirtDaysTrailSeries/Page/Info#section-AllInclusiveSeasonPass].
RACE DAY REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN:
7:10 am.- through 8:15 am. Race day registration will be available online.
TRAIL SERIES SHIRTS:
Dirt Days Trail Series Shirts will be available for purchase at the Fleet Feet Tent on Race Day or with your registration for. $20
Races
-
5.6 Mile
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 26th July 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$25.00
OPENS 10 DECSingle Lap -
10.8 Mile
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 26th July 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$25.00
OPENS 10 DECThis is a two lap race. All runners start at 9am. If you think that you will need more than 2.5 hours to complete the course, please consider the one-loop option or the Trekker option. You will not be able to begin a 2nd lap past 10:15 am. -
5.6 MileTrekker
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 26th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$25.00
OPENS 10 DECWe have added a "Trekker" category for those who would like to participate but need extra time to finish or just want to start early. -
10.8 Mile Trekker
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 26th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$25.50
OPENS 10 DECWe have added a "Trekker" category for those who would like to participate but need extra time to finish or just want to start early. If you think that you need more than 2-2.5 hours to finish, we encourage you to consider the this option. You can start at 8:00 instead of nine. You will receive a time and credit for participation. Also, you can finish before all the food is gone!
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3294 Elklick, Bethel, 45106, OH, United States
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Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run
