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Conquer the Castle Trail Race

Saturday, November 7, 2026
4:00 AM 9:00 PM

North Chagrin Reservation Mayfield, OH, 44143 United States (map)

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🏰 Conquer the Castle — Returning November 7, 2026

Get ready to take on the trails again at Conquer the Castle, returning to North Chagrin Reservation on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

This signature fall trail race invites runners, hikers, and ruckers to test their strength, endurance, and determination on the beautiful trails of the Cleveland Metroparks. With multiple distances to choose from — including 5K, 10 Mile, 20 Mile, 50K, and 100K, plus ruck divisions — there’s a challenge for every type of athlete.

Experience sweeping fall colors, well-marked trails, supportive volunteers, and the legendary Castle Climb, where participants can earn their knighthood on race day.

Join us for one of Northeast Ohio’s most memorable fall trail events and discover why so many athletes return year after year to Conquer the Castle.

Race Perks

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

Schedule

Friday, November 6th

4-5:30 PM | early packet pick-up at 2nd Sole Lakewood (18636 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107)

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | AB Williams Memorial Woods, North Chagrin Reservation

4:00 AM | Early send off for 100k and 50k runners*
4:00 AM | Packet pick up (Will be open throughout the day)
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 for Age Groups and Overall will be handed out throughout the day.

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.

Be Knighted

All 100K, 50K, 20 Mile, 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, 10 Mile Ruck, and 10 Mile Hike will be knighted if they complete an optional hill climb.

The hill climb will be behind Squire's Castle and will be marked. You only need to climb the hill once!
- The climb is 0.15 miles each way
You will receive a token at the top that you will carry to the finish to receive your swag.

Event Details

Jump back in time with us, test your physical and mental fortitude by 'Being Knighted,’ and earn some awesome swag. Let's get running.

View the route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35243797
The route is a 16.7km (10.35 mi) loop. There is a 15 hour cutoff for this event (sub 15 minutes per mile)

100k - 6 loops
50k - 3 loops
20 Miler - 2 loops
10 Miler - 1 loop
5k - route will use first 5k of course

Aid Stations - Aid stations will be at the Start/Finish Line and Mile 5. They will include pretzels, water, electrolyte drink, candy, PB&J, salt tabs, and other items. We recommend you bring your own energy gel but we will have these as well.