Wild Goose Trail Festival
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Event overview
The Wild Goose Trail Festival takes place in mid-September 2026 at Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt, NJ, with festival activities across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The weekend includes panels, a film screening, free camping for participants, pacers and crew on Friday and Saturday evening, and family-oriented activities near the finish area. The festival partners with the non-profit Bigger Than The Trail, which uses trail running fundraising to support mental health services.
Distances offered
- 100 Mile (100.25 miles, 11,275 ft gain / 11,239 ft loss)
- 36 Hour
- 100K
- 50 Mile
- 50K
- 30K
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 1 Mile Kids Run (ages 3-12)
Course and pacing
The course includes doublewide trails, rolling singletrack, technical sections with rocks and roots, wood plank boardwalks and some road. Average elevation gain is about 112 ft per mile. Pacers are permitted for 100M/36H/100K/50M participants while on course after sunset; other distances generally do not allow pacers. Athletes over 60 and athletes with disabilities may use a pacer or guide at any time.
Entry options and policies
A separate 36-hour event is offered as an alternative to the 100M; the 100M has a 36-hour overall cutoff with a single cutoff at mile 92.5. The 50K and shorter distances have shorter timed cutoffs. A hardship entry option and a Trail Mix Fund option are available for those needing fee assistance. 100M and 36H participants must complete 8 hours of trail work or volunteer service within the specified window or pay a $100 charitable alternative. The organizer does not issue refunds; limited deferral options are described for eligibility and timing. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
