Trail Running in Ohio
Ohio has 39 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. That is the 3rd-highest event count for trail running of any state. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August through October, quietest in February through April. No single city dominates the calendar. Cincinnati leads with 6 races, followed by Yellow Springs (3), Bethel (2), and Galena (2). The remaining 67% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in Ohio
Oct (14) · Sep (7) · Aug (6) · Jul (5) · Nov (2) · Dec (2) · Feb (1) · Mar (1) · Apr (1)
Showing 24 of 39
Trail Running
John Bryan Arboretum Trail Half Marathon & Challenge
July 25, 2026
Yellow Springs, OH
Trail Running
Buckeye Moon Trail Runs (Night Trail Run)
Galena, OH
Trail Running
Buckeye Moon Trail Runs (Night Trail Run)
August 8, 2026
Galena, OH
Trail Running
Buckeye Sun Trail Runs
Galena, OH
Trail Running
Buckeye Sun Trail Runs
August 8, 2026
Galena, OH
Trail Running
Lost Creek Reserve 5k (Miami County Parks Trail Run Challenge)
August 9, 2026
Troy, OH
Trail Running
Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
September 25, 2026
Shawnee, OH
Trail Running
The Little Miami Trail Challenge @ John Bryan
October 10, 2026
Yellow Springs, OH
Trail Running
Scouting's Meecheway 5K Trail Run - COLOR RUN VOL. 3 2026
October 10, 2026
Defiance, OH
Top Cities for Trail Running in Ohio
Trail Running in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.