Alley Trail Classic

Alley Trail Classic takes place in Lancaster, Ohio, on November 15, 2026, with two trail races that both start at 9:00 AM: a 5K listed at 5.6 km (about 3.5 miles) and a 28K listed at 28.5 km (about 17.7 miles). Both are trail events, so the distances are approximate, as trail measurements tend to be, and the terrain rather than the clock sets the pace.

The 28K is the main event and sits in an interesting spot: longer than a half marathon, well short of a marathon, which makes it a good target if you want a long trail day without an ultra-distance commitment. A 12-week build with a weekly long run on trails, working up to 14 or 15 miles, is sensible preparation, and you'll want to practice eating and drinking on the move. The 5K is a friendly introduction to trail racing, short enough for a first-timer but with enough uneven ground to make road runners think about their footing. Trail shoes with grip are a good call for either distance.