Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival Half Marathon 10k & 5k

Embark on a trail celebration at the Blue Blaze Festival, where runners, hikers, and backpacking enthusiasts unite to honor the Buckeye Trail. In collaboration with Destination Shawnee, the Ohio Environmental Council, and Rural Action, the 2023 festival transforms the Wayne National Forest section of the Buckeye Trail into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering a range of experiences, participants can choose from a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike, or an overnight Backpacking trek, all set against the backdrop of challenging single-track trails and diverse terrain.
For the running events – Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K – the Buckeye Trail serves as the course, marked by mile indicators, directional signs, and several aid stations. The challenging and hilly conditions, coupled with some road sections, make for an exciting experience. The Half Marathon boasts over 1,000 feet of elevation change. Participants, rewarded with event t-shirts, can relish post-race food upon their return to Shawnee, with local merchants offering additional culinary delights. Chip timing ensures accurate results, and awards await the top male and female finishers in each event, fostering a sense of community in the heart of the historic Village of Shawnee.