Kettle Cooker Trail Race

Explore the scenic Glenroy Preserve trails at the fourth annual Kettle Cooker Trail Race on October 4th, 2026 presented by Herr's Snacks and Altra Running, along with many local sponsors! It takes a village!

Glenroy Preserve is a beautiful outdoor playground that also happens to be rich in history. Some of the trails will take you through parts of the Underground Railroad, while even running past a tavern that was said to have served patrons during the Civil War.

Each distance is a loop. All distances will follow the same course, however the 5 mile runners will split around mile 4 to the finish. ALL distances offer plenty of undulating hills, creek crossings, mixed terrain, and lots of on-course support. The 50K is two loops of the 25K. 

You should wear trail shoes for this race, as there are numerous creek crossings and mixed terrain to traverse. Your feet WILL get wet and trail shoes offer the best drainage and traction. You can jump over some water crossings, but there is at least one that offers no way around but through. Bibs must be worn on the front of your body, so please do not pin it to your hydration pack. We need to be able to see your number.

Start time is 8:00am for ALL distances. Course closes at 5pm, which offers a generous cut-off time for the 50K and plenty of time to celebrate your race!

Registered runners will enjoy:

• Entry to the 5 mile, 25K, or 50K trail race
• Timed finish
• Sweet race shirt
• Water and nutrition on course at all four (4) aid stations (Aid #2 is water only)
• A complimentary beer post race (21+) 
• Post race snacks, food, and music
• Extras for finishers 

Aid Stations:

There are four (4) aid stations on course. If you run the 25K or 50K, you will pass Aid Station 3 twice as you circle back to the finish. All Aid Station mileage locations are approximate, so make sure you carry water and nutrition accordingly.

• Aid Station 1 at mile 2.5: Water, light snacks (cookies, graham crackers, pretzels, gummy candy)
• Aid Station 2 at mile 4: Water cache only and unmanned
• Aid Station 3 at mile 7: Water, cola, pickle shots, cookies, seasonal fruit (ie.oranges, watermelon), chips, trail mix, pickles. There is also a porta potty located at this aid station.
• Aid Station 4 at mile 10: Water, cola, everything that's at #3 plus, PBJ, cheese quesadillas, boiled potatoes, other trail snacks, NA beer, and Fireball shots

Finish line festivities will include, burgers, hot dogs, chili (vegetarian and carnivorous), chips, beer (na and regular octane), soda, and water.

Make a weekend of it!

Coming from out of town? We've got you covered. Check out some of our favorite local hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops to fuel up before the race and celebrate afterward. Supporting our local businesses helps keep our trail community thriving!

Where to Stay:

Here's where we recommend:

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – North East (there are others in that area, as well)
• Winery & Vineyard Loft (Airbnb adjacent to Glenroy Preserve)
• Check out Airbnb for more options!

Where to eat:

• Nottingham Inn: Fantastic burgers and more, breakfast, ice cream
• Early Bird Cafe: Great breakfast and lunch menus 
• Wholly Grounds: Delicious coffee and fresh donuts (limited hours)
• La Sacilia: Italian classics and pizza (if they have the chicken dumpling soup, get that, too!)
• Sawmill Grill: A local favorite known for burgers, sandwiches, wings, and craft beer. Great post-race gathering spot. 
• Octoraro Hotel and Tavern: Historic downtown tavern with burgers and pub fare.
• Taqueria Los Juarez: Excellent fajitas, chimichangas, and generous portions (personal favorite is Huarache!)

Pre-race packet pickup:

Saturday, October 3 from 11-3pm at Lola's 57 S. 3rd St., Oxford, PA.

Please note: Please plan to pick up your packet prior to the race, but if you cannot make it happen, there will be race day pick up from 6:45-7:30am only. Race registration closes on October 2. 

Please contact the RD with any additional questions you may have!

Follow us on Instagram: @kettlecookertrailrace