Community Race Events
Hosted By
This years 13th annual Trail of Payne will have a 5k, 10K and a 1 Mile Fun Run (fun run is not chip timed) option at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. This is a pure trail race you wont want to miss! This run promises to be one of the most unique in the area, so take advantage of our beautiful state park during and after the race. 5K and 10K will share a start and then split off on their own unique course. This is a completely new course, so if you have run before, we will be starting and finishing in a different area.
We will start the 5k and 10k at the Wauberg Lake picnic area and dock. Runners will head out on a dirt road before splitting and entering the trails. 5k will run Jacksons Gap Trail to Cones Dike where they will turn around and head back to the start/finish. The 10k will enjoy a lot of the same trails as previous races, except in reverse. Expect every type of surface: packed dirt, roots, grass, soft sand and even a little mud. With trails that are winding & narrow, straight & wide, sunny & open or shady & dense, you won't be bored on this course.
Bring your friends and get ready to go off-road were gonna get dirty! This race has the potential to be very muddy depending on weather leading up to the event.
We are BACK with our annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day!!
On July 9th, an electrical fire broke out at Lloyd Clarke Sports, causing devastating damage to the structure and the products that we provided the community. Part of your race fee will help to rebuild Lloyd Clarke Sports so we can continue to provide high quality gear and service to the Gainesville Community. If you would like to donate, but don't wish to run, there is an option for that during registration.
This year we are once again partnering with Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary to host our 5k & 10k trail race on Thanksgiving Day.
Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded in 2016 by Chris and Erin Amerman. Their driving mission is to promote compassion for farm animals through rescue and education. Critter Creek is a 210-acre farm sanctuary and wildlife preserve. Approximately 125 acres of the Critter Creek facility, with its forests and natural springs, is a dedicated wildlife preserve. The remainder is set aside for rescued farm animal residents, including pigs, donkeys, and cows.
Come out to run alongside these incredible animals and see that they are no different than the companion animals we all call friends.
The course will be 3.1 miles through the fields and forests of the sanctuary with open views of pastures as well as the twists and turns of some single track trails. The 10k runners will run the loop twice.