Little Carolina Trail Fest
When is Little Carolina Trail Fest?
Little Carolina Trail Fest takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Olmsted Falls, OH.
What distances does Little Carolina Trail Fest offer?
Little Carolina Trail Fest offers 7 events: 5K, 5K Ruck - Includes Patch, 10K, 10K Ruck - Includes Patch, 15K, 20K, Fest Entry.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 5K Ruck - Includes Patch | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| 10K | 10.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| 10K Ruck - Includes Patch | 10.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| 15K | 15.0 km | $40.00 | Register |
| 20K | 20.0 km | $40.00 | Register |
| Fest Entry | — | $10.00 | Register |
How much does Little Carolina Trail Fest cost?
Registration for Little Carolina Trail Fest starts at $10.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Little Carolina Trail Fest held?
Little Carolina Trail Fest is held in Olmsted Falls, OH at Lagoon Picnic Area, Rocky River Reservation Valley Pkwy.
About Little Carolina Trail Fest
We're heading south—Cleveland-style—for the Little Carolina run on June 20th! While we’re not making the trip to the real Carolinas, we are bringing the southern vibes to the Cleveland Metroparks with this fun, summer evening race.
How This Event Works
🏃♂️ This event features a 5K loop!.
- During registration, participants choose which distance they want to accomplish on race day
- At the finish line, participants will receive a finisher medal and a distance button to adhere to their ribbon to commemorate the distance they accomplished
- Hiking, Rucking, Walking, Running, and any speed is allowed.
After the race, stick around for a lively afterparty featuring live bluegrass music and a beer garden to toast your miles.
- The loops and start/finish will pass amongst the festivities for an atmosphere you won't want to miss
Event Timeline
- 4:30 PM – Packet Pick-Up begins
- 6:00 PM – Race starts, beer garden opens, and live music kicks off
- 8:35 PM – Runners must have started final loop
- 9:00 PM – Event concludes and sweep of course for final runners
Course Map: Little Carolina 5K Loop on Strava
Participant Swag and Perks
- Custom finisher medal + distance pin
- Custom race shirt
- Opt out for some added savings
- Chip-timed race on one of our favorite courses with some southern charm
- Beer garden, with the first beverage on us
- Live bluegrass music
- And a summer evening race you do not want to miss. All paces from hikers to runners are welcome.
Fest Entry ticket
Join the festivities without setting a foot on the trail!
- Beer garden with the first beverage on us
- Live bluegrass music
Lace up and join us for an evening of miles, music, and good vibes!
Rain/Inclement Weather Plan: In the case of bad weather, the race will happen. We will adjust the live music as necessary, but will not be cancelling unless severe weather.
2025 Swag
Custom Race Medal
Custom Race Shirt
What's to like about this shirt?
✨ Bella + Canvas short-sleeve tee
✨ Soft Airlume combed + ring-spun cotton
✨ Tailored fit + crew neck
✨ Unisex sizing
✨ Dusty summer-ready color
Beer Garden, Shoe Demo, & Chiropractic Recovery
Cool off in the beer garden!
🍻 We’re excited to announce that we will be serving Masthead Brewing cold brews in the Beer Garden at the Little Carolina Trail Fest!
Here’s what you need to know:
🎟️ Participants & Fest Entry guests will receive a beer ticket to redeem in the garden
🔞 Wristbands will be provided to those 21 & over
🍺 Want to enjoy another drink after your ticket? Additional beers will be available for purchase
Cheers to trails, tunes, and tasty brews! 🌿🎶
Topo shoe demo!
👟 We’re thrilled to announce that Topo Athletic will be onsite with demo shoes at the Little Carolina Trail Fest!
Participants can try out a pair for their first lap (5K distance) and experience the comfort and performance of Topo on the trails. 🌿
🎉 Plus, we’ll be raffling off three Topo prizes throughout the evening—so be sure to stick around!
This is the perfect race to put some Topos to the test!
Post Race Recovery
💆♂️ Cleveland Performance Chiropractic will be onsite to help you recover after your race!
Whether you need a quick stretch or some post-run TLC, they’ve got you covered. 🏃♀️💪
Coure Details
The Little Carolina Trail Fest 5K course has a little bit of everything: trail, bridle trail, road, and some hills! One thing is for sure is your likely to hear and see wildlife on this course!
Check out the course map
🏃♂️ This unique event features a 5K loop you can run up to 4 times. With each completed loop, you’ll earn a special distance pin to mark your achievement!
Parking & Shuttles
🚐 Parking is limited at the Lagoon Picnic Area, so we’re providing a complimentary shuttle service for all participants (racers & fest entry)!
Here’s how it works:
🅿️ Park at Frostville Museum
➡️ Hop on the shuttle to the race venue
🏁 Once you’ve enjoyed the event, take the shuttle back to your car
We’ve got your transportation covered so you can focus on the trails and the fun! 🌿
Shuttle Services for event
- Start of Shuttle Operation: 5:00 PM
- End of Shuttle Operation: 10:00 PM
Shuttle Pick Up
- Frostville Museum, 24101 Cedar Point Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070
- Pick Up Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fZT9braMJRcUF41q8
Race Venue
- Lagoon Picnic Area, Valley Pkwy, Olmsted Township, OH 44138
- Venue Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6XycbJXVCeZWgnXT6
Runners and Spectators MUST park in legal parking spots only. The Metroparks will ticket or tow illegally parked cars.