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 5:00 PM for the Hopback Trail and around 5:10 PM 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 7:00 PM.
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 Details:
- Early Bird: $45 (ages 13+) / $15 (12 and under) - Ends April 30, 2026.
- Standard: $50 (ages 13+) / $20 (12 and under) - Starting May 01, 2026.
- Day-of: $55 (ages 13+) / $25 (12 and under)
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 available as supplies last.
Packet Pick-up/Check-in:
- Friday, September 19th: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Ned Smith Center Gift Shop.
- Race Day: 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM.
Important: For adult runners and attendees celebrating post-race at the beer stand, please plan to show your ID and receive a wristband prior to the race. IDs will NOT be checked post-race at the beer stand. Snacks and water bottles are welcome, but please refrain from bringing other outside food and beverages.
Race 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! Featuring live music, food for purchase, and handcrafted beer from Tröegs Brewing Company. Limited Edition: The Rugged Trail Ale brewed specially for this event.
Course Information:
The HopBack Trail (Beginner)
This route is walker-friendly and a great option for beginning and intermediate trail runners. It follows the Wiconisco Creek, goes around to the rail trail, crosses the creek, and passes through the Nature Discovery Play Area.
The Rugged Trail
This route features more challenging elevations and terrain, with a 700 ft elevation climb through the woods of Berry Mountain. Designed to be both exhilarating and exhausting.
Awards:
Top male and female runners for each race (Overall Winners). Top male and female for each trail receive a special prize. Age Group Winners (19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60) for male and female.
Participant Perks:
- 5K Race Shirt (must register by August 16th to guarantee size)
- A FREE pour of Tröegs beer (age 21+) or Root Beer (under 21)
- A FREE slice of pizza from DB's Pizzeria & Pub, Halifax
- Trail mix, bananas, and other goodies after the race