"Train"ing Run
Highland Park, United States • 6 Jun 2026
27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run
The D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run is a non-competitive group event held to celebrate National Trails Day. Participants run or walk along the D&R towpath to benefit the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, with a donation made for every mile completed.
The event structure utilizes a "train" system where groups of runners travel together at pre-determined paces. These groups begin in Trenton and pick up additional participants at various points along the route. Each group is led by an official pacer, referred to as a conductor, to maintain the scheduled pace. All groups are timed to arrive at the final destination, Grove 4 at Johnson Park, at 11:00 a.m. for a celebratory picnic.
Participants can choose from a wide variety of distances and pace groups:
- 34.6 miles
- 26.2 miles
- 20.5 miles
- 17.4 miles
- 13.9 miles
- 11.8 miles
- 9.7 miles
- 6.0 miles
- 2.8 miles
Buses are provided to transport participants to the specific start locations for their chosen distance and pace. Water and snacks are available at stations along the course from Alexander Road to the finish line. Registration is also available for those who wish to attend only the picnic or those who do not require bus transportation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.