3 events in Clermont County, Ohio

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

Topo Trail Marathon Weekend Schedule

Sunday, December 7

Packet Pick Up (no race day registration) -- 7:00 am to 8:30 am

Pre Race Meeting -- 8:45 am

Race Start -- 9:00am for Full, 9:15am for Half, 9:30am for Quarter

Race Cutoff -- 3:00pm

racers will not be permitted to start any lap after 3pm

About the race

The Topo Trail Marathon will be held on the East Fork State Park mountain bike trails. There will be a 6.55 mile (Quarter) race, a 13.1 mile (Half) race, and a 26.2 mile (Full) race, something for everyone!

The course will be a 6.55 mile loop, 100% on singletrack. 1 lap for the Quarter, 2 laps for the Half, and 4 laps for the Full. Waterstops at mile 2, mile 4.5, and mile 6.55.

The waterstop at the start/finish will be fully stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, and salty snacks. All other aid stations will have water and Gatorade only. Topo Buffs will be given to anyone who registers after the T Shirt deadline of Nov 14.

Registration (Discounted prices until Sept 15)

Quarter: $30

Half: $45

Full: $70

The entry fee includes professional chip timing, portable restrooms, long sleeve race t shirt (t-shirt deadline is November 14), pint glass, and finisher medal. Anyone who

Awards

Finisher Medal for all finishers

Directions to East Fork State Park

Take I275 to the Route 125 exit. Go East on Route 125 for approx. 10 miles to the East Fork State Park main entrance (Do not follow signs to the Campground). Turn Left on S. Bantam Road, turn left into the park and turn left again onto Park Road 2. Follow Park Road 2, the Indian Mound Picnic Area will be on your right.

Lodging

A block of rooms at a local hotel will be available closer to the race

There are also several motels at the SR125 exit off of I-275, about 15 miles from the start/finish.

Motel Beechmont - 513-752-1800

Comfort Inn and Suites - 513-947-0100

East Fork State Park also has a full service campground, visit the park website for campground information

Any additional information regarding the race will be posted on this website as the race date gets closer.