Brant's Apple Orchard 5K Trail Race

Brant's Apple Orchard 5K Trail Race is scheduled for October 2, 2027, in Ashtabula, Ohio. The single format, a 5K (3.1-mile) trail race, starts at 9 a.m. and is open to runners and walkers alike. The course, known as tough for the distance, links vineyard paths, wooded sections and a run through the orchard, with steep climbs and creek crossings. At the finish, participants are treated to cider and donuts.

Over 5K, this kind of terrain throws road benchmarks out the window: the creek crossings soak your feet early on and the short climbs break your rhythm. It is best to race by perceived effort rather than by the watch, and to bring lugged shoes and a spare pair of socks. It makes a good introduction for road runners curious to try trail running over a distance that stays short.