Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon

SEP
26
2026
Celebrate Ohio's Buckeye Trail at this festival timed with National Public Lands Day. Choose from a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K run/walk, or a 10-mile hike on the single-track trails of the Wayne National Forest near Shawnee. All participants receive a finisher patch, and awards go to top runners.
Sat 26 Sep 2026
13 miles 10 miles 10 kilometers 5 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Events

The event offers several distances and activities:

  • Half Marathon
  • 10K
  • 5K Run/Walk
  • 10 Mile Hike
  • Overnight Backpacking Trek (mentioned)

Course Details

All events take place on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest near Shawnee, Ohio. The running courses are mostly single-track trail. The Half Marathon and 10K routes are out-and-back. The 5K is a loop course that includes the Wood Thrush Trail and Tecumseh Lake.

The terrain includes some hilly and challenging sections, with over 1,000 feet of elevation change on the Half Marathon course. There will be mile markers, directional signs, aid stations with water and Gatorade, and volunteers at road crossings.

Other Information

The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026. It coincides with National Public Lands Day. Registration opens on March 1, 2026.

Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. All participants receive a Finisher Patch.

Post-race food will be available, and there are options to purchase food from local merchants in the historic Village of Shawnee. The event is produced in partnership with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater, and other outdoor organizations.

Youth discounts are offered for participants aged 15 and under for the 10K, 5K, and Hike. Camping options for the night before the event are also available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

13 mi
Half Marathon
10 mi
10 Mile Hike
10 km
10k
5 km
5k Run/walk