Conquer the Castle

Knights, ruckers, and trail champions — prepare to take to the trails once again for the 2026 Conquer the Castle Trail Race at North Chagrin Reservation in Cleveland, Ohio!

Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for a day of epic trail racing through the stunning fall colors of the Cleveland Metroparks. Whether you’re running, hiking, or rucking, there’s a challenge for every adventurer.

Choose from multiple distances, from the 5K, 10 Mile, and 20 Mile, to the endurance-testing 50K and 100K ultramarathons, plus ruck options for those ready to test their strength and stamina.

Experience one of Ohio’s premier fall trail races, where every climb, creek crossing, and castle challenge brings you closer to conquering the course — and earning your place among the legends. ⚔️🍂

Registration Includes

• Custom unisex race shirt included for all participants or upgrade to a hoodie!
• Custom Finisher Medal
• Race Bib
• Chip Timed Run
• Stocked aid stations
• Post-race snacks
• Awards: Top 3 Female & Male finishers for 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, 10 Mile Ruck, & 5K
  100K Finishers will receive a belt buckle
• Be Knighted (this is for the 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, & 10 Mile Ruck)

Schedule
Friday, November 6th

• 4-6:30 PM | Early Packet pick-up | 2nd Sole, 18636 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Saturday, November 7th | AB Williams Memorial Woods, North Chagrin Reservation

• 4:00 AM | Early send off for 100k and 50k runners*
• 4:00 AM | Packet pick up (Will be open throughout the day)
• 5:00 AM | 100k starts
• 6:00 AM | 50k starts
• 7:00 AM | 20 Mile & 20 Mile Ruck starts
• 8:00 AM | 10 Mile & 10 Mile Ruck starts
• 9:00 AM | 5k starts
• 1:00 PM | 20 Mile afternoon start
• 3:00 PM | 10 Mile afternoon start
• 6:00 PM | must start last loop for 100k
• 9:00 PM | race closes/timing crew packs up.

*Starting in the 4:00 AM Early Send Off voids you from Age Group and Overall Awards, but not the race or listing in results.
**Awards for Age Groups and Overall will be handed out throughout the day.

Participants who start a loop (loops) after 3:00 PM must have a headlamp or another source of light to help guide them on the trail.

 

Review the Refund Policy & and Bib Transfer policies

Review the 2025 Athlete Guide to get you ready for the 2026 race!

Once an updated 2026 Athlete Guide is available, it will be posted. Until then, use the 2025 Athlete Guide as your race resource. 

Awards will be given to the top 3 Females & Males in the following categories

• 100K
• 50K
• 20 Mile (morning
• 20 Mile (afternoon)
• 20 Mile Ruck
  • Hardened Steel | Competitive Division: This is our only award-eligible category. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers for events with over 5 of each gender or top 1 of each for less than 5.
• 10 Mile
• 10 Mile Ruck
  • Hardened Steel | Competitive Division: This is our only award-eligible category. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers for events with over 5 of each gender or top 1 of each for less than 5.
• 5K

Awards Timing*

• 10:00 AM | 5K & 10 Mile
• 11:00 AM | 20 Mile
• 12:00 PM 50K 
• 3:30 PM | 20 Mile (afternoon)*
• 4:30 PM | 10 Mile (afternoon)*
• 5:00 PM | 100K 

*These times are approximate and are subject to change on race day

Award winners MUST BE present to receive their award. Awards will not be mailed to winners. 

2025 Award Flag

All distances over the 5K will be knighted if they complete the optional hill climb.

• The hill climb is behind Squire's Castle and will be marked. You only need to climb the hill once! 
  • The climb is 0.15 miles each way
• You will receive a token at the top that you will carry to the finish to receive your swag.
• Volunteers will be knighting participants from 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

2025 Castle Climb Perk - Rally Towel

 

Knighted Climb Photos

Transfer to another distance.

• To change to another distance, follow the prompts in this video.
• Fees: Participants may incur a distance transfer fee (if the distance they want to change to is a different price), and there may be a nominal transfer fee.

Transfer to another participant.

• Transfers MUST be completed by midnight on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. To transfer registration to another runner, go to the following link
• Swag size is not guaranteed for the participant receiving the bib transfer.
• There is a no-refund policy for this race, and the 2026 registration cannot be used as a future race entry.

Our team understands unique circumstances arise for participants and will review these case by case. Reach out to melanie@RunTheLand.com

View the Conquer the Castle course: The route is a 16.7km (10.35 mi) loop. The race closes at 9pm. Any runners out on the course after 9pm may not receive a time or finisher medal for this event (sub 15:30 minutes per mile for the 5am start).

• 100k - 6 loops
• 50k - 3 loops
• 20 Miler - 2 loops
• 10 Miler - 1 loop
• 5k - route will use first 5k of course

Course Terrain - For each loop the terrain is 20% paved and 80% trail/gravel

Crew Rules

• Crew may not meet up with participants at road crossings and may only meet runners at the start/finish or at the Squires Castle aid station.
• Crew may have a tent set up, but it must not be in the way of the course/impede runners' forward motion

Start/Finish Aid Station

• Athletes can have drop bags at the start and finish under the pavilion near the Aid Station.

Squires Picnic Shelter | Aid Station

• Drop bags must have athlete name, race distance, & bib number on their drop bag.
• Drop bags must dropped off in the drop bag area at Forest Picnic Area (Start/Finish) to be delivered to the Squires Pavilion Shelter
  • 5:00 AM for the 100K | Drop bag must be in drop area to be delivered
  • 6:00 AM for 50K  | Drop bag must be in drop area to be delivered
• Drop bags at this aid station will not be delivered back to the Start/Finish.
• It is up to the athlete and/or their crew to retrieve the drop bag. 

Drop bags delivered to Squire's Picnic Shelter the morning of the race are an option for the 100K and 50K participants; therefore, they are not offered for afternoon participants. 

*The race is not responsible for items left at the aid stations once the race is over. 

Review the information for Pacer Rules

• PACERS ARE ONLY ALLOWED FOR THE 100K
• As a pacer, you are agreeing to completing 2 loops or less of the course with your athlete.
• As a pacer, you will not carry (mule) hydration or nutrition to aid your athlete.
• As a pacer, you will carry your own supplies and only use aid station supplies if needed. Aid Station supplies are meant for the athletes.
• As a pacer, you must wear your bib on the front of your body. DO NOT COVER, BEND, OR FOLD.
• As a pacer, if you go out on the course after 3:00 PM, you must have your own headlamp (or other light) to help you see the course.
• Pacers must sign a waiver prior to starting as a pacer. 
  • Pacer Waiver can be found on the Events section of the website to complete.

Make checks payable to Run The Land & mail to:
Run the Land
18780 Rivercliff Dr, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126

Mailed entry forms must be received the Wednesday before race weekend.
Email Info@RunTheLand.com with questions.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Parking will be in the main parking lot at the AB Williams Memorial Woods and overflow parking will be at the Nature Center.

• A.B. Williams Memorial Google Pin: https://goo.gl/maps/kuThcDv74mK2DcfZ6
• North Chagrin Nature Center https://maps.app.goo.gl/1upCLxYwtM4DHxsy7

Additional parking info

• No parking on the grass, anywhere.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• The park will be open to the public during the race
• We strongly suggest carpooling as parking is limited near the Start/Finish  

Stay tuned for 2026 Preview Run dates.

------

In 2025, we offered two Preview Runs.

 

These runs are intended for participants to get acclimated to the course. They are not meant to be fast runs. If you are at the front of the group, know the route. 

• Dates
  • Saturday, August 30, 2025
  • Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Location: AB Williams Memorial Woods parking lot (North Chagrin Reservation, near the Nature Center)
• Time: Arrive by 7:15 AM to be ready to run by 7:30 AM
• Course details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41195391
  • Participants can add on miles after completing the loop
• Participants MUST fill out the waiver to participate in the Preview Runs. Click the links below to register
  • Thanks for attending! Saturday, August 30, 2025
  • CLICK HERE TO REGSITER FOR Preview Run #2 | Saturday, October 4, 2025

 

Things to note for the Preview Runs

• The course will not be marked.
• There are no aid stations at the event.
• Carry enough hydration and nutrition to complete the 10+ mile distance.
• Bathrooms will be at about the 3.75 miles and 5 mile.
• Dress for the weather

Check out the schedule for the race day vendors

• 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Odd Dog Coffee
  • Tasty coffee and snacks for purchase from the food truck
• 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Pin-Point Physical Therapy
  • Dr Nick will be at the race site to assist participants with the post-race muscle soreness.

Ruck The Land Divisions

Choose your challenge. Whether you are aiming for the podium or just looking to challenge yourself and move with the community, every finisher earns the official event patch. All are welcome.

Hardened Steel | Competitive Division

• The Standard: 30 lbs Dry Weight.
• The Rules: Your weight must come from dedicated sources (ruck plates or sandbags). Water, food, and extra clothing do not count toward the 30 lb requirement.
• Awards: This is our only award-eligible category. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers for events with over 5 of each gender or top 1 of each for less than 5.
• Verification: Dry weight will be verified at the Red Stand during pre-event check-in and re-verified at the finish line.

 

Cast Iron | Recreational Division

• The Standard: 10 lbs Recommended Total Weight.
• The Rules: This is a non-competitive, "anything counts" tier. Your hydration bladder, snacks, and safety gear all contribute to your total weight.
• The Experience: Perfect for beginners, families, or those testing their grit for the first time.
• Check-In: While not required for scoring, we highly encourage you to check in at the Red Stand. It’s the best way to learn how rucks usually work, get your gear checked by veterans, and meet the Cleveland rucking community.
    

Logistics & Check-In

• Pre-Ruck Check-In: Head to the Red Stand near the starting line or registration area. All Hardened Steel | Competitive Division participants must weigh in here. Cast Iron | Recreational Division participants are encouraged to stop by to get a feel for the pre-event flow.
• Post-Ruck Check-In: Once you cross the finish line, look for the signs to the check-in area. This is where we verify Hardened Steel | Competitive Division weights for awards and where everyone collects their finisher patch.
   

What To Bring (Packing List)

For Your Ruck

• The Pack: A sturdy backpack or rucking-specific bag with supportive straps.
• The Weight: 30 lb plates/sandbags for Hardened Steel Competitive Division; 10 lbs of total gear for Cast Iron Casual Division.
• Hydration: Most courses will have water stops but always come preparted.
• Safety: A reflective band or light if the event takes place near dawn/dusk.

For Your Body:

• Footwear: Broken-in trail shoes or boots.
• Socks: Moisture-wicking wool or synthetic
• Anti-Chafe: Body Glide or similar for feet and high-friction areas.
• Fuel: Small, calorie-dense snacks like gels, bars, or trail mix.

Personal Items

• Photo ID and a fully charged phone

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like more information about rucking, visit this link https://www.goruck.com/pages/what-is-rucking

Check out the line-up of Run the Land events

Cabin Fever Trail Race

• February trail race
• Richfield Heritage Preserve
• 5K & 5 Mile 
• Run, hike, or Ruck

Little Oregon Trail Race

• March trail race
• Cleveland Metroparks | Rocky River Reservation
• 5K & 12K
• Run, hike, or Ruck

Run the Land | East vs West

• April road event (not a race)
• Forest City Brewery
• 5K, 10K, half marathon, & marathon
• Run, hike, or Ruck

Spring in the Park Women's 5K/10K

• First Saturday in May
• Starts & ends at South Mastick Picnic Area in Fairview Park
• Distances: 1 Mile, 5K, & 10K
• Women's only race

Little Carolina Trail Fest

• June evening trail race
• Cleveland Metroparks | Lagood Picnic Area
• 5K, 10K, 15K, & 20K
• Run, hike, or Ruck

Bay Days 5 Miler, 1 Mile, & Kids Track Dash

• July 4th
• Starts & ends at Bay High School in Bay Village
• Distances: varying distances for the Kids' Track Dash, 1 Mile, & 5 Mile
• Family-friendly race

Flusslauf

• August evening trail race
• Cleveland Metroparks | Hemlock Creek Picnic Area
• 1 Mile, 12K
• Run, hike, or Ruck

Conquer the Castle

• November trail race
• Cleveland Metroparks | North Chagrin Reservation
• 5K, 10 Mile, 20 Mile, 50K, & 100K (morning & afternoon options)
• Run, hike, or Ruck

Fall Classic

• Sunday before Thanksgiving
• Starts & ends at Bonnie Park in Strongsville
• Distances: 5K & half marathon (relay option for the half marathon)
• Family-friendly race

For details on these and client events, go to runtheland.com 

Friday, November 6, 2026

• 4-6:30 PM | Early Packet pick-up | 2nd Sole, 18636 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Saturday, November 7, 2026

• 3:30 AM | Approximate opening of Packet Pick Up for early starters 
  • Packet pick up will be open throughout the day to accommodate each distance start
• 4:00 AM | Early send off for 100k and 50k runners*
• 5:00 AM | 100k starts
• 6:00 AM | 50k starts
• 7:00 AM | 20 Miler & 20 Mile Ruck starts
• 8:00 AM | 10 Miler & 10 Mile Ruck starts
• 9:00 AM | 5k starts
• 1:00 PM | 20 Mile afternoon start
• 3:00 PM | 10 Mile afternoon start
• 6:00 PM | must start last loop for 100k**
• 9:00 PM | race closes/timing crew packs up***

*Early send-off voids you from Overall Awards, but not the race or listing in events. Participants receive finisher medals
**Starting the last loop at 6:00 PM will not guarantee aid station support, finish line support, or finisher medal
***The race closes at 9:00 PM. Any runners out on the course after 9:00 PM may not receive a time or finisher medal for this event (sub 15:30 minutes per mile for the 5:00 AM start)

Review the Awards page for additional details

Donate a few hours of your day to help the runners cross the finish line and we'll put you on the starting line* for next year. Limited volunteer spots are available. We’ll fill these first come, first served. Sign up under the volunteer option and please only sign up if you can commit to the shift.

2026 Volunteer race credits

• NEW PERK: 2026 Credits can be applied to any 2027 Run The Land event!
• Volunteers working 4-8 hours will receive $65 race entry credit.
• Volunteers working 8+ hours will receive credit for a full race entry, including the 100k.
• Additional details
  • Credits must be used for a 2027 event
  • They don’t cover add on costs such as upgrading swag.

2025 Volunteer race credits

• Volunteers working 4-8 hours will receive $65 race entry credit.
• Volunteers working 8+ hours will receive credit for a full race entry including the 100k.
• Credits are applied to the Conquer the Castle race entry only.
  • They don’t cover add on costs such as upgrading swag.
  • They cannot be transferred to another race.
  • They must be used for the race the following year. (For example: A volunteer earns credit in 2025, those credits can only be applied to the 2026 Conquer the Castle race).

 

Registration includes the following:

• Bella Canvas Unisex CVC Long Sleeve Tee is included for all participants. (size not guaranteed if you register less than 2 weeks before the race)
  • Or upgrade to a hoodie
• Custom Finisher Medal
• Race Bib
• Chip Timed Run
• Stocked aid stations
• Post-race snacks
• Awards: Top 3 Female & Male finishers for 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, 10 Mile Ruck, & 5K
• 100K Finishers will receive a belt buckle
• Be Knighted (this is for the 100K, 50K, 20 Mile (morning & afternoon), 20 Mile Ruck, 10 Mile, & 10 Mile Ruck)

Participants are strongly encouraged to review the Refund Policy & and Bib Transfer policies.

If you want to exchange a shirt and/or hoodie size, you can do so AFTER the last participant checks in for the 5K race, which starts at 9:00 AM.

Stay tuned for the color and design for the 2026 shirt & hoodie.

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2025 shirt & hoodie 

Review the unisex size charts below to select the correct shirt and/or hoodie size during registration.

Already registered and want to upgrade to the hoodie? Follow the steps in this video. Participants cannot choose to have both swag items if they return to their registration for a swag upgrade. 

2025 Finisher Medal & Distance Buttons

 

Additional Perks

 

 

5k (Morning): Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

10 Mile (Morning): Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

10 Mile Ruck (Morning) - Includes Patch: Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

10 Mile (Afternoon): Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

20 Mile (Afternoon): Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

20 Mile (Morning): Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

20 Mile Ruck (Morning) - Includes Patch: Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

50k: Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee

100k: Unisex Heather CVC Long Sleeve Tee