Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15, 2025, when the NJ Trail Series Winter #1 returns to South Mountain Reservation in South Orange. This four-season trail festival kicks off the winter series with 5K, 10K, and 13.1‑mile (half marathon) distances, all looped over rugged forest terrain featuring fire roads, single-track trails, rolling hills, and sections of pavement.
Trail runners enter a laid-back yet supportive setting: expect aid stations roughly every three miles, self‑paced loops (1, 2, or 4 based on your distance), and a cupless, leave-no-trace ethos—all with a post-run celebration offering cold beverages and community camaraderie. This course isn’t about chasing records—it’s about embracing the woods, connecting with fellow runners, and enjoying trail time.
What makes this special:
- Inclusive Winter Trail Fun: Event encourages enjoyment over time—no medals, but free giveaways and hearty trail community vibes.
- Local Trail Love: Repeated loops on beloved single-track and fire-road combo in South Mountain Reservation create a fun, spectator-friendly setup.
- Friendly Competition: Loop format makes pacing easy and allows self-supported encouragement and coaching moments mid-race.
