Redbud Trail Challenge

The Redbud Trail Challenge is a grueling Trail Hike/Run to benefit Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp (OWBC). Bring the whole family to participate and choose between a 5K or 10K trail course. It will take place on OWBC’s rugged 600 acre forested property located in the hills of Southeast Ohio.

The Redbud Trail Challenge will do just that: challenge your will, mind, and body just to finish this course. But it will be worth every bit of energy and will-power you spend. The trail will go through 2 primitive campsites (the 5K will go through 1 campsite) which the boys built and where they reside. A few more unique features are crossing the 68′ span “Nehemiah” suspension bridge (which the boys built), the beautiful springtime forest lush with Redbud and Dogwood blossoms, and huge boulders along the trail.

There will be 3 refreshment/first aid stations (2 on the 5K course) spread out over the course of the trail. The 10K trail is strenuous and has over 1,700′ of elevation gain and is approximately 40% technical single track and 60% old logging trails. The 5K is perfect for the whole family because it is less rugged for those who want the fun of hiking in the woods, but not the difficulty and length of the 10K. All participants who register on or before April 1, 2024 will receive a Redbud Trail Challenge t-shirt and a gift from OWBC (there are usually extra available for those who sign up later, but it’s not guaranteed). You also can wait to register until Race Day from 7:15 – 8:30 am. After the event, get refreshed and fellowship with your friends while enjoying a scrumptious meal for the whole family. All proceeds from the race will support the mission of Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp, a nonprofit organization helping troubled boys and their families find new hope. Register today and help us mentor boys. See you on the trail!

How Your Support Helps Troubled Boys

Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp is a nonprofit organization operated from a Christian ethos and value system and exists to help bring healing to troubled boys and their families. The Camp is open to all interested families without regard to race, ethnic origin, religious creed, or economic status. Funds generated from this event and other contributions provide a scholarship for families in need who are unable to provide the needed tuition. For more information about Camp, visit us on the web at www.ohioboyscamp.org

Pre-race food and drinks will be available. There are three refreshment/first-aid stations along the 10K course and two on the 5K. Food lines for lunch generally open around 11-11:30 am. Lunch is made by OWBC’s Board of Directors and their wives and usually consists of grilled hamburgers with toppings, baked beans, potato salad, cookies, and ice cream. 

An award ceremony will follow the race. We will recognize the top two finishers in both the 5k and 10k in a 40+, 39 – 17, and 16 and under age in both male and female categories. 

Join fellow runners on May 2, 2026 for the Redbud Trail Challenge. It's a fantastic 5K, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Summerfield.