5 events in Brecksville, Ohio

Explore the Best of Brecksville Reservation – a different 5 mile course each week – at the Spring Running Series on Thursday evenings May 7th, 14th, and 21st! Offering a diverse and challenging terrain for runners and hikers at all levels, the series fits easily into many spring training plans – though the trails are so peaceful and scenic that you will forget that you are training! You will be scored weekly, with final results tallied for series awards after the final race.

NEW THIS YEAR

• Now on Thursdays: An easier night to get out, closer to the weekend!

• Age-Based Offset Start: Different age groups start at different times, giving everyone a fair shot at the finish line. This rewards true performance, not just youth. Older runners now have a real chance to win overall! Each age group has a specifict offset – we'll post exact start times before race day. Get ready for exciting, unpredictable, head-to-head finishes this season!

2026 SPRING RUNNING SERIES

A unique 5-mile course each week at Brecksville Reservation:

• Thursday, May 7th, 6:45 P.M. – Oak Grove Picnic Area

• Thursday, May 14th, 6:45 P.M. – Oak Grove Picnic Area

• Thursday, May 21st, 6:45 P.M. – Meadows Picnic Area

What Is OUTLAST?

OUTLAST is a 6-hour trail endurance challenge where runners complete a 5K every hour, on the hour. Each lap must be finished within the hour to stay in the event. If you finish early, you rest until the next round. Miss a lap, and you’re out.

Complete all six rounds, and you OUTLAST.

This isn't just about speed — it's about pacing, discipline, and mental grit. Whether you're trying to survive all six or win your division, the challenge is the same: show up each hour, push your limits, and stay in it.

Each course is trail-based, with natural terrain, elevation, and unpredictable conditions. You’ll have time between rounds to recover, refuel, and refocus — but not much.

What You Earn:

​4 laps = “Grit Earned” patch

5 laps = “Survivor” patch

6 laps = Premium “OUTLAST” medal

• Compete Saturday & Sunday: earn a DOUBLE OUTLAST "TOUGHER N' NAILS" Plaque! (Use the code TOUGHER10 for 10% off)

​​All participants receive a premium OUTLAST Tee.

Top male and female with the fastest combined 5K times at each event win the 1st Place OUTLAST award.

Finishers are ranked on the national leaderboard—and the fastest runner across all OUTLAST 6-hour events will be crowned National Champion and take home $1,000.

The 1st Place Male and Female 6-hour champions from each city will earn a spot in the Outlast Championship, where they’ll compete against the best of the best at the end of the Tour, and the 1st place male and female winners take home $1000 each. (This is separate from the national leaderboard prize money.)

By the end of the tour, the top 100 best times nationally will be invited to also compete in the Outlast Championship.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to run all 6 laps?

Nope. Run as many as you can. If you complete 4 or 5, you'll still earn a patch. Only those who finish all 6 get the OUTLAST medal and leaderboard ranking.

What happens if I don’t finish a lap in time?

You're out. The next lap starts at the top of the next hour, and only those who completed the last lap on time can continue.

How is the race timed?

Each 5K is timed individually. If you complete all 6, your combined time counts toward the local win and national leaderboard.

Are these trail races or road?

Every OUTLAST race is on trail terrain — dirt, rocks, roots, and elevation. Sometimes some pavement and gravel.

Can I walk?

Yes, as long as you finish the 5K within the hour. But some courses are rugged, and time can sneak up on you.

Are there aid stations?

Yes. There will be water, basic hydration, and snacks at the basecamp/loop start. This is a cupless event — bring your own bottle or hydration system.

What should I bring?

Trail shoes, hydration system, layers (weather dependent), fuel between laps, and grit.

Can I setup a tent?

Absolutely, bring your own aid station/tent setup.

Is OUTLAST for beginners?

Yes — if you're mentally tough. You don’t need to be fast, just consistent and ready to suffer a little.

How do I win?

If you finish all 6 laps and have the fastest combined time, you win your division (male/female). Winners are also added to the national leaderboard for a shot at the $1,000 national prize & title.

25K DISTANCE! Point to Point from Pine Lane to Oak Grove – Experience the same trails as the 50k!

The Buckeye Trail 50k was started in 1994 as Joe Jurczyk’s informal birthday run/race. Joe has been running the Buckeye Trail since his college days – which predates the CVNP. The original course was an out and back starting at Oak Grove and going south to Pine Lane. It also included segments to Brecksville Road (the first course was actually longer than 50k!) The out and back course enabled all participants to see every other participant at some point along the course.

While the park systems mature and routes are changed to incorporate many different needs, the allure of the Buckeye Trail 50k remains. In the first year, the event had thirteen finishers with Steve Godale and Mark Godale, both running their first ultramarathon, finishing together in first place in 5:12:18. As trail running has become more popular, so has the race. As one of the first ultras in Ohio and now in its 31st year, the Buckeye Trail 50k is recognized as the oldest trail 50k in the state of Ohio.