The Heartbreak Hill 5k is a 3.1 mile run/walk that takes place on the Hagerstown High School cross country course. This race is one in a series of 8 races that make up the Wayne County Challenge. Each race within the challenge raises money for a charity of their choice and helps promote healthy living and fitness in Wayne County. This race not only attracts members of Wayne County's running/walking community, but also members from the surrounding counties as well. All proceeds from the Heartbreak Hill 5k will go to the Hagerstown High School Athletic Department’s cross country program and the Hagerstown Athletic Hall of Fame.
Event details and schedule
Saturday,
August 8, 2026
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Registration closes at 8:45a.m.
5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m.
The event will take place at the Hagerstown Junior/Senior High School cross country course.
Registration and the starting line are located on the south side of the high school, near the softball diamond.
The entry fees are:
$25 per person if pre-registered by July 31, 2026
$30 per participant the day of the race
All participants will be classified according to age. An awards ceremony and refreshments will follow the race at the site of registration (or in the cafeteria in case of rain). All entrants will also receive a t-shirt (included in the race entry fee) while supplies last. No guarantee on t-shirts without pre-registration.
Welcome back for the 5th annual HW6!
HW6 is a fundraiser for the Hueston Woods Trail Crew.
RACE TSHIRTS HERE Proceeds go to the trails
Directions: Google will give directions to "Hueston Woods Mountain Bike Trailhead". That will take you to the race start and staging.
Race Start: 9:00 am
Race End: 3:00 pm No laps finished after 3:00 pm will count.
Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting: 8:30 am
Number plate pick-up: We will be out there by 7:30am
Prizes: There will be no cash prizes in order to keep the race entry fees cheap! You are racing for pride and glory only. All money that is not used to pay for race insurance, tape, timing, etc. will be donated to the Hueston Woods Trail Crew so we can continue to keep Hueston Woods an incredible mountain biking destination.
Course: The race course will stay on the North side of the park. The course is approximately 8.7 miles long. Start at the mountain bike trailhead ride up the hill, cross the service road and complete the North Loop and the North Loop extension. The course will then cross the service road again and complete the Monkey trail to the finish. https://www.strava.com/segments/26615049?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKZ_9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZxXokKWC93nLztzyfZk0lGQDmt4Ns29DZ2seGPJ3D9AXnWbnsVeDPwHxw_aem_Xw2GwkNxkXf6BLKhOv_a0w
No Food Onsite: There will not be any food onsite. Please prepare accordingly.
Water: There is a water spigot for drinking water.
BYOB: Stay and build community after the race!
Free Camping: There will be free camping for those who wish at the race start. There are no water or electric hookups. There are privy toilets.
Other accommodations: Hueston woods state park offers camping and a lodge. There is also a pool and a lake beach.