Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack

🏃‍♂️Race Overview

The Blue Blaze Festival is a celebration of the trail, whether you are a Trail Runner, Hiker or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail. Join us for the 2025 Buckeye Trail (BT) Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The Blue Blaze Festival will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.

There will be five options for a distance and trail experience right for you: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.

🏅Running Events

• Event Start Times: The Half Marathon and 10K Run will start at 9:00AM, followed by the 5K at 9:15AM.
• Course Type: The Half Marathon and 10K runs will use the Buckeye Trail with an out and back course with mile markers and directional signs.
• Elevation Change: The half marathon has over 1,000 feet of elevation change and challenging terrain.
• Post Race: After returning to Shawnee, participants can enjoy post race food and purchase food from local merchants.

🥾Hiking the Buckeye Trail

The 8-Mile Hike will start and finish in Shawnee with hikers following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. The hike starts 1 hour before the running events. The 2025 Hike was designed by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA. A guide to historical sites will be provided to participants.

More Hike Information

🗺️Course Maps & Additional Information

• RUN - Half Marathon & 10K Course Maps
• RUN - 5K Course Map
• CAMPING options

📍Event Location

Join us at 127B W. Main St., Shawnee, OH for this exciting festival on September 27, 2025.

🔗Registration Link

For more details and to register, visit the race page.