Charlie Horse Trail Half-Marathon

The Charlie Horse Trail Half-Marathon & Dirty Pony 5K 2026 is a long-standing Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, the 29th edition of this event supports the Berks County Special Olympics. The course is a technical mixture of single-track trail, rural road, and "adventure" segments through the Brecknock Township wilderness, culminating in the famous, mud-filled "Plowville" section.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Venue: The event hub is the Sleepy Hollow Athletic Club (482 Westley Rd, Mohnton, PA). Packet pickup and race-day registration open at 7:30 AM.
• -- The Course: The half-marathon uses the Horse-Shoe Trail (HST). It features 0.5 miles of road to start, several miles of single-track, a 1.2-mile country road "lollipop," and a final 5k loop through the "Plowville" section, known for lagoons, waterfalls, and mud.
• -- Cut-off Time: A strict 3-hour cut-off is enforced at Aid Station #3 (10 miles). Runners behind pace may be pulled by the sweepers and aid station crew.
• -- Post-Race Amenities: Starting around 11:00 AM, participants can enjoy a party featuring pizza, snacks, and beverages (including adult beverages for those with their race bib). Awards follow at noon.
• -- Series Challenges: The Half-Marathon is the first leg of the "Triple Trail Challenge 50.3," which includes a 10K in June and a 50K in October. The 5K is the start of the "Triple Trail Starter Pack" for beginners.
• -- Restrictions: The half-marathon is limited to 300 entries. No dogs or outside alcohol are permitted on the premises.

Regional Context and Demographics:

• -- Location: Mohnton is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, part of the broader Reading metropolitan area.
• -- Mohnton Population: Approximately 2,980 residents live in the borough.
• -- Demographic Profile: The population is approximately 93.2% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.3% identifying as two or more races.
• -- Special Olympics Support: Berks County has a robust Special Olympics program, serving hundreds of athletes in the region through year-round sports training and competition.
• -- Local Climate: Average highs in Mohnton during late May reach 74°F (23°C), though high humidity is common, often making technical trail sections through the dense Pennsylvania woods more physically demanding.

The Charlie Horse Trail Half-Marathon 2026 remains a premier local challenge, combining a charitable cause with a rugged course that tests the endurance and technical skills of the Northeast trail running community.