Smith's Challenge Trail Run 2026

Smith's Challenge Trail Run is a 5-mile race in Lancaster County Central Park, held on Father's Day and directed by the Lancaster Road Runners Club. It begins in the morning near pavilion #2, with free parking available nearby, and the event proceeds regardless of weather. This race is in its fourth decade and stands as the oldest trail race in Central Pennsylvania. The course crosses the area between the County Park pool and the Kiwanis loop, featuring a mix of trail, road, river bed, and grass surfaces. Participants receive a water stop near the Covered Bridge and a supported river crossing, offering more variety than a basic park path. Awards are presented to the top male and female finishers, and the finish area provides drinks, snacks, and random prize drawings for registered runners.