FOOLS 50K & 25K TRAIL RACE
Saturday, April 16th at Camp Manatoc
BEAT THE PRICE JUMP
Only a fool would miss this opportunity to explore trails surrounded by the CVNP and not normally open to the public. Did we mention you can have a post-race beverage from Athleta Brewing Company and a hot shower onsite? Don’t fool around – register before midnight tonight 3/16 to beat the price jump! A portion of the proceeds benefits Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America.
FOOLS FUN FACTS
- Fools 50k & 25k started at Happy Days Lodge in 2008 as a group training run for summer 100 milers. It was a self-supported race, and our own Vince Rucci locked his keys in his car and had to rely on fellow runners for aid – and still tied for 1st place!
- Manatoc is said to be a native American word for “high plateau.” Marnoc, meaning "love of the outdoors," was a spirit who supposedly inhabited the forests of Camp Manatoc and is the namesake of our lodge.
- Karl Butler, inspired by a visit to a Boy Scout camp in California, donated his family farm to the Boy Scouts in 1923 to create Camp Manatoc – which will be celebrating 100 years in 2023!
- Akron's Goodyear, Goodrich and Firestone companies pledged $100,000 and Summit County residents raised over $100,000. A lake was created by damming Salt Run, and a dining hall, three lodges, a trading post and fort-like entrance were added.
- Camp Manatoc's Dining Hall was built in 1931 and is said to be the largest Wormy Chestnut building in the United States. Scout officials estimate that more than 150,000 Scouts have eaten here.
- There are about 25 miles of trails on the 600 acre property.
- North of Lake Litchfield, up the hill and to the left, you can find remnants of the original buildings and walkways of the camp.
- “Cairns” (pronounced Karen) are white and red signs that identify a historical location on the Manatoc property.
- Manatoc has operated a traditional summer camp through all the wars and other historical events since 1923 except for one year – 2020!
