Flex & Run

Join us for The Inaugural Blue Jay 5K!

Event date: September 6th, 2026 @ 9:00 AM

All proceeds benefit the Jay Township Recreation Board.

Thank you to Friday Gas and Oil Full Service for being a sponsor of the event and the Bennetts Valley Senior Center for allowing us to host the start/finish at their location!

Registration/bib pick-up begins at 8:00 am at the Senior Center

**T-shirts are given to pre-registrations only. They will be distributed the day of the event.

The event starts/ends at the Bennetts Valley Senior Center on Plum Street, crosses Route 555 to Redwood Ave. It will continue onto Redwood Ave towards Baumertown, signage will show when to turn around at the half way mark of the 5k and then finish back at the Bennetts Valley Senior Center.

Drinks will be provided along the route and drinks/snacks will be provided afterwards at the Senior Center. Restrooms will also be available there.

The best part of adventuring is the stories.

That time you were packrafting down a remote river and spotted a deer chasing a Canadian lynx up the bank…

That sunrise over the Catskills, when the red and yellow leaves sparkled with frost…

Those trail angels you encountered, when everyone on the team had run out of food, and you were still miles from the TA…

That night you and your teammates came together to overcome insurmountable odds and made it to the finish line, with seconds to spare…

This race is for the stories.

The Race

The Stockville is a two-day foot and navigation event, inspired by the mountain marathons of Europe and the UK. Each morning, racers will receive maps of a linear, point-to-point course that will take them through the wilds of north central Pennsylvania. The final checkpoint on Day 1 - and the start location for Day 2 - will be at midcamp, a community campout where we'll come together over roasted marshmallows to share in the wonder of our collective adventures.

The event is open to solo racers and single-gender and mixed-gender teams of 2-4 people.

Racers will be required to carry all food and gear for the duration of the event. Tents and cooking supplies will be transported to midcamp.

Cook Forest 25k Trail Challenge

Since 2018, the Cook Forest 25K Trail Challenge has earned its place as a legendary event in Pennsylvania’s trail running scene. Nestled within the ancient woods of Cook Forest State Park, this 25K offers more than just a test of endurance—it’s a journey through some of the most breathtaking natural beauty the state has to offer. With towering evergreens, riverfront paths, and a deep sense of community, this race feels more like a homecoming than a competition.

packet pickup

packet pick up and day of registration is available at shelter 2 from 7:45 to 8:45 the morning of the race.

Location

start/finish and packet pickup is at Shelter 2. Address is 2604 Forest Rd. Vowinckel, PA 16233.GPS coordinates 41.34609 N, 79.21845 W

Course

The course is a rugged and rewarding loop that strings together 13 interconnected trails across more than 17 miles of varied terrain. Your adventure begins with a lung-busting scramble up Seneca Trail, taking you to one of the park’s most iconic landmarks—the historic Cook Forest Fire Tower. From this vantage point, the forest stretches endlessly in every direction, offering a preview of the miles to come.After descending from the tower, runners head into the heart of the course, where miles of trail weave alongside the pristine Clarion River. The cool breezes and flowing water are a welcome reprieve before the course transitions to the tranquil paths of Tom’s Run, known for its shaded, serene beauty and consistently cool temperatures. The route immerses you in a cathedral of some of Pennsylvania’s tallest living evergreen trees, delivering a spiritual kind of solitude only found in old-growth forests.

Aid Stations

There are three aid stations along the course: at approximately mile 5, 10 and 15. Aid stations will include water, Tailwind hydration drink and usual snacks. These stops provide essential hydration and nutrition to keep runners fueled as they tackle the demanding loop. Runners are strongly encouraged to carry fluids with them as the day heats up rather quickly.

Runner Experience

The Cook Forest 25K is more than a trail race—it’s a shared experience. From the pre-race check-in to the final high-fives at the finish line, runners are embraced by a welcoming, tight-knit community. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the serenity of the forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who love the trail just as much as you do. By the end of the day, you’re not just a participant—you’re family.

Practical Details

Registration is available through UltraSignup. Lodging options include nearby cabins, campsites, and local inns, making it easy to turn race day into a weekend getaway. Weather in the forest can vary, so runners are encouraged to dress in layers and prepare for both sun and shade throughout the course.

About the Organizers

The Cook Forest 25K is hosted by a passionate group of local runners and volunteers committed to showcasing the beauty of their home trails. With a deep connection to the park and a focus on fostering community, this team has created a race that’s as heartfelt as it is hardcore.

Event's current local time: 4:15 AM ET