
From the Organizer

Trail Running & Ultramarathon Training
Running single-track trail can be one of the most amazing experiences, but it can also be a bit intimidating if you aren't familiar with the terrain. That's where we come in! Join Fleet Feet & MIT's Trail Crew and we will help you explore until you are ready to head out on your own. You'll meet new friends and discover a love of trail running along the way!
Benefits of Trail Running
Trail running is a well-rounded workout - It benefits both the body and mind! Trail running helps build strength in your core and back, and increases flexibility in your upper and lower body. Spending time in nature is a great way to soothe the stress of the day, relaxing the mind and helping you explore running in a serene environment without the distraction of cars, stoplights, or city noises.
One of the most advantageous benefits of incorporating trail running into your training is that it helps lower the risk of injury. The soft surface of the trails we run helps lessen the impact on your body and joints, providing more cushion in comparison to the hard pounding on concrete or pavement of road running. Trail running also allows an athlete to add variety in to their training, and take a mental and physical break from monotonous road miles.
Now! Trail Crew will train all year.
Here's what we are training for this upcoming year:
Winter Season - November-January - Rocks and Roots Winter Series (February) is the goal race, with 10k, 30k, and 50k training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and SUNDAYS at 8am... both days at Rocks And Roots Trail at Alum Creek. (If trail conditions are poor, we will move the run to Highbanks Metro Park)
Spring Season - Marh-May - Firefly Overnight Endurance Challenge (June) 10k, 30k, and 50k training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 8am... both days at Rocks And Roots Trail at Alum Creek.
Summer Season - May-August - The Hoot Half Marathon and 10k (August) 10k, Half Marathon training plans. We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 8am... both days at Rocks And Roots Trail at Alum Creek.
Fall Season - August-November - Autumn Squatch 10k, 20k and 50k training plans. (November) We will meet on Thursdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 8am... both days at Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek.
Zero miles! We will get you from wherever you are today to the starting line with our proven program! However, if you know you will prefer walking in the woods over running, check out our Hiking Club here.
When are the workouts?
The group hosts two organized workouts per week:
Sunday mornings at 8:00am (winter season only)
Saturday mornings at 8:00am (spring, summer, fall seasons only)
Thursday night at 7:00pm
Where are the workouts?
Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek, located at 3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035. Changes to workout locations are communicated via email and our Trail Crew Facebook group.
What do I need to get started?
A desire to get moving! Getting properly fit for running shoes will certainly help, but that can always wait until after the first workout.
Okay, I'm listening! How much is membership and what do I get?
We have several sign up options. You can opt to sign up for any of the four seasons individually. Each season includes entry into the goal race for the season! Additionally, you could opt for our new Annual Membership option, which includes entry into all four goal races AND the Trail Crew Team Jacket! More details for the membership tiers below!
Trail Crew Season Membership - It's FREE!
Sign up today and join us for two group workouts per week, receive a 10% in-store discount to Fleet Feet Hamilton Quarter, Lewis Center, and Upper Arlington. ALSO... receive weekly motivational and educational coaching emails, curated educational content from the most respected medical professionals in the running and walking community, unparalleled motivation and the camaraderie of fellow participants with the same training goal, and Altra-sponsored demo runs and events.
Events
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Trail Crew 2025
Jun 13, 2026