The Pisgah Mountain Trail Races return to Chesterfield, New Hampshire on September 13th, 2026. Organized by the Red Clover Rovers in Pisgah State Park, this event features a challenging trail course through rugged terrain with two distance options: a 50K and a 23K race. Both races start at the Chesterfield School and benefit the New Hampshire Special Olympics.
The setting on race morning is serene yet intense as runners gather before dawn in Pisgah State Park, which spans over 17,000 acres of dense forest and rolling hills. The atmosphere is one of quiet determination, with participants arriving early to warm up along park trails that wind through the woods towards the starting line at Chesterfield School. As temperatures begin to rise by mid-morning, runners will face a tough but rewarding route filled with scenic vistas and challenging climbs.
Established in 2014, this race has become an integral part of the trail running community in New Hampshire, drawing over two hundred participants annually who come together for both athletic challenge and charitable cause. Profits from registration fees directly support programs offered by the Special Olympics of New Hampshire, ensuring that athletes with intellectual disabilities have access to sports training and competition opportunities across the state.
The course itself is a rigorous test of endurance and skill, traversing varied terrain within Pisgah State Park. The 50K route includes steep ascents and descents along rugged trails while the shorter 23K offers a less demanding yet still challenging option for runners looking to tackle hilly woodland paths without committing to an ultra distance. Both courses feature aid stations strategically placed throughout their lengths, providing essential hydration and nutrition as racers navigate through diverse landscapes marked by dense forests and rocky outcroppings.
Weather conditions on race day are expected to be mild with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) in the early morning hours to around 72°F (22°C) by noon. Humidity levels will remain moderate, potentially hovering between 60-80%, and there is a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers due to prevailing weather patterns over New Hampshire during this time.
23K
23K • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $65.00
50K
50K • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $75.00
The Pisgah Mountain Trail Races offer two challenging trail distances: a 50K race and a shorter but still demanding 23K option. Both races feature rugged terrain, steep ascents, and descents along woodland paths within the expansive grounds of Pisgah State Park in Chesterfield, New Hampshire.
Race organizers encourage participants to register early at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=138317 where fees are $65.00 for the 23K race and $75.00 for the full 50K distance. Registration closes on September 9th, leaving runners only a few days to secure their spot before the event.
Bib pickup will take place at Chesterfield School from 6:30 PM to 8:45 AM on race day morning or anytime between noon and 2 PM one week prior if preferred. Participants should bring photo ID along with confirmation of payment for bib collection purposes. The start location is situated directly outside the school grounds, accessible via Old Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield.
For runners new to this event, it's recommended they arrive prepared with appropriate footwear suited for trail running and sufficient hydration as well as nutrition supplies given aid stations may not be immediately available throughout both courses during initial stages of racing. Additionally, all participants must be at least 18 years old due to the challenging nature of these races.
The Pisgah Mountain Trail Races in Chesterfield, New Hampshire on September 13th, 2026 are a compelling event for trail runners seeking an ambitious challenge and contributing directly towards supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through the Special Olympics programs.
