SMR Mayapple Trail Runs

SMR Mayapple Trail Runs : South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ

The event is the 17th annual Mayapple Trail Runs, organized by volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy with support from the Essex County Parks Department. Races take place in the forested, 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation and use the Locust Grove picnic area as the start/finish location.

Distances include:

• 50 Miler
• 50K (31 miles)
• 20 Miler
• 10 Miler
• 5 Miler
• Kids 1 Mile Run for ages 5 to 12; one parent or guardian may accompany a child.

The course uses three loops: an east loop of about 10.5 miles, a west loop of about 10.2 miles, and a 5-mile E-W loop. The east and west loops together total roughly 1,500 feet of ascent; the 5-mile route has about 700 feet of ascent. Terrain includes double-wide gravel roads, technical single-track trails with roots and rocks, and a short half-mile of pavement. The kids course overlaps the east loop for the first half mile.

Aid stations are positioned approximately every five miles on the east and west loops and provide water, electrolyte drink, granola bars, pretzels and snacks. Portable toilets and aid station coverage are available at Locust Grove, Turtle Back Picnic Area, and Mayapple Hill Picnic Area.

Runners may drop to a shorter distance during the event without being recorded as a DNF; medal eligibility requires completing the lesser course within the same start group. Registration may be available on race day via mobile device. All proceeds support the Conservancy and trail maintenance, which is sustained by thousands of volunteer hours annually. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.