Conquer the Castle

Knights, ruckers, and trail champions — prepare to take to the trails once again for the 2026 Conquer the Castle Trail Race at North Chagrin Reservation in Cleveland, Ohio!

Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for a day of epic trail racing through the stunning fall colors of the Cleveland Metroparks. Whether you’re running, hiking, or rucking, there’s a challenge for every adventurer.

Choose from multiple distances, from the 5K, 10 Mile, and 20 Mile, to the endurance-testing 50K and 100K ultramarathons, plus ruck options for those ready to test their strength and stamina.

Experience one of Ohio’s premier fall trail races, where every climb, creek crossing, and castle challenge brings you closer to conquering the course — and earning your place among the legends. ⚔️🍂

Registration Includes

• Custom unisex race shirt included for all participants or upgrade to a hoodie!
• Custom Finisher Medal
• Race Bib
• Chip Timed Run
• Stocked aid stations
• Post-race snacks
• Awards: Top 3 Female & Male finishers for 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, 10 Mile Ruck, & 5K
  100K Finishers will receive a belt buckle
• Be Knighted (this is for the 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, & 10 Mile Ruck)

Course

10 Mile

• Ride With GPS https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41195391 
• Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3534615945605220940

5 Mile

• Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3534596668902785612 

Note: this course is not stroller-friendly, as there are rocks, roots, and branches. 

Schedule

Saturday, November 7th | Forest Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation

• 3:30 AM | Packet pick up (Will be open throughout the day)
• 4:00 AM | Early send off for 100k and 50k runners*
• 5:00 AM | 100k starts
• 6:00 AM | 50k starts
• 7:00 AM | 20 Mile & 20 Mile Ruck starts
• 8:00 AM | 10 Mile & 10 Mile Ruck starts
• 9:00 AM | 5k starts
• 1:00 PM | 20 Mile afternoon start
• 3:00 PM | 10 Mile afternoon start
• 6:00 PM | must start last loop for 100k
• 9:00 PM | race closes/timing crew packs up.

*Starting in the 4:00 AM Early Send Off voids you from Age Group and Overall Awards, but not the race or listing in results.
**Awards will be announced throughout the day to the top three female/male for each distance. Check out this schedule for more details. 

Race Day Vendor Schedule

• 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM  | Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
• 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | The Human Performance Lab at The University of Akron
• 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Pin Point Physical Therapy
• TBD | Kim Karbon Photography

🚨 All participants must begin in the wave for the distance they registered for.

Participants who start a loop (loops) after 3:00 PM must have a headlamp or another source of light to help guide them on the trail.

Important race locations

• Start/Finish | Forest Picnic Area
• Event parking | AB Williams Memorial Woods & North Chagrin Nature Center
• 5 Mile Aid Station | Squire's Castle Shelter

Review the Refund Policy & and Bib Transfer policies

A Run The Land Event directed by Race Director Melanie