East Fork 100 mi/100K/50K/15 mi

May We Grow Old" 5K run/walk to celebrate Older Ohioans Month!

All proceeds from this race will be used to serve older adults in Clermont County through services like Transportation, Lifelong Learning, Meals on Wheels, Adult Protective Services, and many more!

This day will be a celebration of growing older and gathering in community to support one another. The race will be at Sycamore Park in Batavia, with the 5K portion mostly on trails.

There will be a shorter walk (.6 miles) around the park on a paved surface for people of all ages and abilities to participate.

Dirt Days Trail Series - East Fork SP Trail Run

Sunday, July 26, 2026 8:30 am

East Fork State Park, Bethel, OH

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.

We have added a "Trekker" category for those who would like to do the 10+ mile course but need extra time to finish. 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 8:30. You will receive a time and credit for participation. Also, you can finish before all the food is gone!

New for 2026: We have added a Trekker category for the 5+ event as well.

Location:

East Fork Lake Ohio State Park

Link to East Fork State Park Web Page

GPS Coordinates to the beach: 39.016999, -84.133509

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:

Age based awards for each event

Random prize drawings for each event. Plus, one pair of Altra shoes given out at random. No Duplicates (limit one pair per season)

Registration Fee:

Registration Fee: $23.50. 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.

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

RAPTOR Inc. has been a leader in bird of prey conservation in Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky since 1978. RAPTOR Inc.’s conservation activities include rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured birds of prey, conducting field research at the Raptor Center and at local nesting sites, collaborating with other like-minded conservation organizations, and educating the public about the value of these birds to the environment. Your participation in this event helps RAPTOR Inc. purchase essential items such as food, medications, medical supplies, and maintenance equipment necessary to fulfill our mission to conserve our magnificent local birds of prey.

The RAPTOR 5K medals and t-shirts will feature the image of a red-tailed hawk.

Check-In and Registration: 7:30 am - 8:30 am

Race Start: at 9:00am, Rain or Shine - If the weather is so poor that we need to cancel the run, we will distribute the goodie bags and conduct the raffle under the park shelter.

Registrations for adults and youth received by August 28 will include a t-shirt and collectible medal. Registrants after August 28 will receive a t-shirt and collectible medal while supplies last.

Course: The 5K route will wind through the flat paved trails at beautiful Miami Meadows Park in Milford, OH.

Awards: The top 3 male and top 3 female runners will receive awards. The race is being professionally timed and complete race results will be available at TimingSpot.com.

Sleep In/Virtual Option: If you would prefer to sleep in on race day or run the race virtually, your registration fee will still support RAPTOR Inc.'s mission. Your t-shirt and collectible medal will be available for pick up at the Raptor Center or we can arrange shipment of your items. A shipping fee of $10 will apply. Please indicate in the "Notes" section of your virtual registration if you would like us to ship your items. If so, please add the $10 to your race registration in the "Donation Amount" column.

Family-Friendly Celebration Party to Follow Race: Friends, Family, and Community are welcome! We will have available snacks, drinks, fun, visits from several of RAPTOR Inc.'s Avian Ambassadors, and raffle prizes. Raffle items include beautiful Whistle Stop Clay pottery, a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Raptor Center, a framed 19 in. x 22 in., signed print of John Ruthven's "Great Horned Owls" (#1123/1500). (The winner of the framed Ruthven print will be selected on September 30, 2025.) Winners do not need to be present.

Packet Pick Up: RAPTOR Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Rd., Milford OH 45150 on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, from 10am-5pm, or on the morning of the race at Miami Meadows Park (arrive before 8:30am). Email Programs@raptorinc.org if other arrangements are needed.

Sponsorships:

Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $1000+ and include great perks such as:

• Company logo placed on the back of the race t-shirt (subject to printing deadlines)

• Complimentary registrations for the race

• Company logo on "Thank You" poster displayed on race day

• Option to include Company promotional item/flyer in all goody bags

• Company name on our website and in our quarterly newsletter.

Great-horned Owl sponsors and above ($500+) are also invited to attend the event and set up a table or booth to share information or sell merchandise during the family-friendly party after the race. Download Sponsorship form HERE.

RAPTOR Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to RAPTOR Inc. may be tax-deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Please consult your tax advisor for details.