O24

Greater Cleveland XC 5K - August 18, 2026

Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation

Race Start Time: 6:30 PM (male) 7:00 PM (female)

Come out and experience an exciting 5K cross country race set on a scenic course that blends rolling grass fields with smooth crushed limestone trails. This fun and challenging route is perfect for runners of all levels, whether you’re chasing a fast time or simply enjoying an evening run outdoors.

The event is open to both kids and adults, making it a great opportunity for families, teams, and first-time racers to get involved alongside seasoned runners. The race will take place at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, offering a beautiful natural setting and a classic cross country atmosphere.

Race times are split to keep things organized and exciting:

• Boys’ race: 6:30 PM

• Girls’ race: 7:00 PM

Knights, ruckers, and trail champions — prepare to take to the trails once again for the 2026 Conquer the Castle Trail Race at North Chagrin Reservation in Cleveland, Ohio!

Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for a day of epic trail racing through the stunning fall colors of the Cleveland Metroparks. Whether you’re running, hiking, or rucking, there’s a challenge for every adventurer.

Choose from multiple distances, from the 5K, 10 Mile, and 20 Mile, to the endurance-testing 50K and 100K ultramarathons, plus ruck options for those ready to test their strength and stamina.

Experience one of Ohio’s premier fall trail races, where every climb, creek crossing, and castle challenge brings you closer to conquering the course — and earning your place among the legends. ⚔️🍂

Registration Includes

• Custom unisex race shirt included for all participants or upgrade to a hoodie!

• Custom Finisher Medal

• Race Bib

• Chip Timed Run

• Stocked aid stations

• Post-race snacks

• Awards: Top 3 Female & Male finishers for 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, 10 Mile Ruck, & 5K

100K Finishers will receive a belt buckle

• Be Knighted (this is for the 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, & 10 Mile Ruck)

Schedule

Friday, November 6th

• 4-6:30 PM | Early Packet pick-up | 2nd Sole, 18636 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Saturday, November 7th | Forest Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation

• 4:00 AM | Early send off for 100k and 50k runners*

• 4:00 AM | Packet pick up (Will be open throughout the day)

• 5:00 AM | 100k starts

• 6:00 AM | 50k starts

• 7:00 AM | 20 Mile & 20 Mile Ruck starts

• 8:00 AM | 10 Mile & 10 Mile Ruck starts

• 9:00 AM | 5k starts

• 1:00 PM | 20 Mile afternoon start

• 3:00 PM | 10 Mile afternoon start

• 6:00 PM | must start last loop for 100k

• 9:00 PM | race closes/timing crew packs up.

*Starting in the 4:00 AM Early Send Off voids you from Age Group and Overall Awards, but not the race or listing in results.

**Awards for Age Groups and Overall will be handed out throughout the day.

Participants who start a loop (loops) after 3:00 PM must have a headlamp or another source of light to help guide them on the trail.

Important race locations

• Start/Finish | Forest Picnic Area

• Event parking | AB Williams Memorial Woods & North Chagrin Nature Center

• 5 Mile Aid Station | Squire's Castle Shelter

Review the Refund Policy & and Bib Transfer policies

Autumn Leaves Fall 4 Miler - November 8, 2026

Location: Lake Metroparks Farmpark

Race Start Time: 8:30 AM

Get ready to lace up, crunch some leaves, and celebrate the magic of fall at the Autumn Leaves Fall 4 Miler! This festive, scenic race is held entirely within the charming grounds of Lake Metroparks Farmpark, where autumn truly comes alive. The 4-mile course winds through glowing fall foliage, past friendly farm animals, and along peaceful countryside trails bursting with seasonal color and charm. It’s the perfect way to welcome sweater weather and cooler temps! To make the celebration even sweeter, all participants will receive a cozy long-sleeve T-shirt and a finisher medal to commemorate a fall run you won’t forget.

• Registration includes a finisher medal, Long Sleeve, and post-race soup

• Early packet pick-up takes place at Second Sole on Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

• Race day packet pick-up will be at Lake Metroparks Farmpark starting at 7:30 am - 8:15 am

• The 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 am.

Prepare for a double dirty trail challenge at the Dirty Dirty 15k, the final race of the Dirty Trail Series. This course takes you on an exciting two-loop tour through the picturesque North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. The park's delicate balance between outdoor recreation and wildlife preservation is the perfect backdrop for your race. It will test your endurance while also allowing you to connect with nature as you run or hike alongside wildlife sanctuaries.

On this reverse run of the Dirty Love 15k, you will be greeted by diverse and scenic landscapes, from woodlands to meadows, and along the way, you'll encounter iconic landmarks such as Squires Castle, Buttermilk Falls, and Oxbow Lagoon.

Don't miss this last chance to embrace the thrill of a Dirty Trail Series race this year and have some fun with us afterward. Join us for the year-end Dirty Series Party, with food, prizes, and the much anticipated Dirty Series awards ceremony!