DIRTY TRAIL SERIES

CHIPPEWA CREEK CHALLENGE HALF MARATHON

Meet our Featured Athletes

Kellie Werschey: A self-proclaimed “trail junkie”, I didn’t start running until an event at Vertical Runner Hudson in 2010 matched me with a running group, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The camaraderie of the running community is palpable, and the friendships I have made through running is my support system and my heart. 

It is difficult to choose one, but probably my favorite WRR race is Dirty Love. I love the unpredictability of the weather, and it gives me something to look forward to in the dead of winter. Also, who doesn’t love a surprise color coffee mug and some hot chocolate to put in it!

Chippewa is in such a beautiful area and a great race. It’s by far one of my favorite places to run – plus, the fall foliage is stunning. 

I appreciate all the help and support I have received, and the community/trail support VR and WRR has given throughout the years. I am honored to be part of such a special community.

Lesa Zimmerman: My trail running/racing began in Austin, Texas almost 20 years ago – to get off the road, away from the summer heat – when maybe 50 people showed up for a race. How things have changed! I moved back to Northeast Ohio in 2011, trails are pretty much all I run, and way more than 50 people show up for races! 

I started running the Dirty Trail Series in 2012 and signed up as a VIP the first year it was offered. My favorite races, because I run there often and know the course like the back of my hand, are those run in North Chagrin. 

We are fortunate to have so many beautiful trails to run and some pretty awesome trail races. For that I am thankful! 

OHIO ENDURANCE SERIES

BOBCAT TRAIL MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

November 12th at Burr Oak State Park

Don't miss out on lodging at Burr Oak. Single night bookings will be available starting September 28th. Call the reservation line at 740-767-2112 and ask for the Bobcat race discount.

The Bobcat Marathon is our wildest, most remote race. This single loop course is 90% trails with rolling hills and several creek crossings. The half marathon is a point to point on the same trails – hikers welcome.

OHIO ENDURANCE SERIES

BIGFOOT 50K, 20 & 10 MILER

December 10th & 11th at Salt Fork State Park

Run or hike one (10mi), two (20mi), or three (50k) loops on the rolling hills of Salt Fork State Park. All three distances are offered Saturday, with another 10mi event on Sunday. Sign up for both days and save 50% off Sunday.

Be entertained by Devon Jackson, performing live in the Wildlife Lounge Friday 7-10pm. He is lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist of Ruff Creek, one of Pittsburgh's most sought after country rock bands.

Complete your weekend getaway with a stay at the Salt Fork Lodge. Call 740-435-9000 and ask for the Bigfoot race discount.

CRTR GROUP RUN

Happy Days Lodge

Thursday at 6:30 pm

Crooked River Trail Runners hosts group runs in the CVNP every Thursday at 6:30 pm.

Let's meet at Happy Days Lodge. We might get lucky and catch a nice sunset at the overlook. This is Route 12 in our AllTrails list.