Norfolk Land Trust Trail Race Series/Haystack Mountain Challenge

Join us for our 12th Annual Trail Race Series. 

Race Fees

• Registration is via this online portal only, including on race day.
• 5K - $25 before Sept 29, thereafter $30
• 10K $25 before Sept 29, thereafter $30
  • Groups of 4 registrations for 5K or 10K - $60 (Registrations must be made within the same transaction)
• Half Marathon - $35 before Sept 24, thereafter $40
  • Groups of 4 registrations for Half Marathon - $80 (Registrations must be made within the same transaction)

All runners will receive a free slice of pizza from Pete-za!! Norbrook Farm Brewery will also be on hand with ice-cold beverages for sale. Please remember that this is a cupless event and you should provide water. We will have some water stations set up along the route. We love dogs but even leashed ones are not allowed on the race course, due to safety, liability, and potential disruption. While exceptions are made for service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this prohibition typically applies to all other pets, including emotional support animals.

CLASSIC 5K

• A challenging and scenic race through picturesque Barbour Woods. The course is a mixture of single and double track. Climb up Beech Hill for a view of Haystack Mountain, run on carriage roads beside historic Killarney Bridge, descend the dry dam to a flat stretch of railroad bed, ascend through woodlands and finally along a gladed wetland, known as the Swamp Trail to the finish.

Note: This course usually measures at about 3.3mi.

HAYSTACK 10K

• Want to go a little longer? Try adding a challenging loop over Haystack Mountain. This course begins on the same route as the 5K, but jumps off of the Sunset Trail onto the South Dam, crosses Route 272N and ascends through a grassy meadow onto an intense single track to summit at Norfolk's iconic Haystack Mountain Tower. Descend the mountainside on a carriage path to meet up with a single track winding along the mountainside bringing you back to the park's main entrance where you will cross over the South Dam and finish up the 5k course. The 10K is part of the 2026 USATF-CT MUT Grand Prix series. 

Note: This course usually measures at about 5.9mi.

HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE HALF MARATHON

• The Haystack Challenge is an exciting and grueling half marathon. With 2000+ feet of elevation gain this course is built around the 10k route with the addition of some lesser-known trails adjacent to Barbour Woods and Haystack Mountain; including special access to private paths only allowed during the event.
• The course includes a scenic ascent and a descent down a winding single track back to the start. From there you follow the 10k course to Haystack and break off onto public and private trails. Two trips up and down Haystack link you back into the 10k course to the finish.

No map is provided for the privacy of property owners.

Note: There is a cutoff (2hr 8min ~ 16min pace) at approximately 8 miles on the first ascent up Haystack. If you get to the volunteer in over that time you will be asked to take a route to the finish that forgoes the second summit or there will be the opportunity for a ride back to the start. 

Race Day Schedule

• Check in from 8:30 am
• Half Marathon start - 9:30 am
• 10K start - 10:45 am
• 5K start - 11:00 am

Ready to test your limits? The Norfolk Land Trust Trail Race Series/Haystack Mountain Challenge brings a highly anticipated 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon to Norfolk on October 4, 2026. Expect a fantastic route right in the heart of Connecticut.