Find the top trail races for kids and young runners! These youth trail running events offer fun, adventure, and the perfect introduction to trail running for kids of all ages.
When I found out I was having my first kid, I fantasized about taking her hiking and, later, trail-running with me. I imagined the tiny trail shoes I’d buy her and the way her wide, unblinking eyes would take in the meandering trail. Once my now-4-year-old was old enough to accompany me, I realized it wasn’t as easy as loading her into the car and encouraging her uphill with snacks. First she was too hot, then she was freezing cold; she needed to use the bathroom; her energy levels (and mine) could soar or flag at any turn.
The good news is that many trail events have a children’s category, and, for those who fall in love with trail-running, there are an increasing number of races geared specifically toward kiddos. Below, find a list of some of the top-rated trail races for kids.
📍 Location: Tahoe, California
Kids event: 0.5-mile run with 130 feet of elevation gain
Why we love it: Skyrunning, but make it kid-friendly
Running above the treeline doesn’t have to be for adults, only. In addition to 46K, 23K, 18K, 11K and 5K skyrunning events for adults, budding trail enthusiasts of all ages can join the Broken Arrow Kids’ Race, a 0.5-mile jaunt with 130 feet of gain alongside the festivities at California’s Palisades Tahoe resort. The kids climb a short hill before descending an easy service road. Registration costs $20 and includes a finisher medal and swag; minis 6 and younger should have a parent accompany them.
📍 Location: Silverton, Colorado
Kids event: Kids run around the block, ending at the infamous Hardrock.
Why we love it: Kiddos earn a “Future Hardrocker” ribbon and a cookie (snacks!)
Many an ultrarunner fantasizes about toeing the start line at the storied Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run, which leads athletes through the gorgeous and formidable San Juan Mountains. Slightly more tame though just as prestigious is Hardblock, wherein little ones of all ages run around the block in Silverton, Colorado, finishing their run at the infamous Hardrock. Little ones lucky enough to compete earn a “Future Hardrocker” ribbon and a cookie with the Hardrock logo.
📍 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona
Kids event: 1.3 miles with 70 feet of climbing
Why we love it: A more challenging kids’ run at a premier race in the foothills of the San Tan and Goldmine mountain ranges
Kids who are ready to toe the start line at a slightly longer race will enjoy this out-and-back event that features 1.3 miles and 70 feet of climbing through the Saguaro cactus-studded landscape. The kids’ run takes off at 10:30am, when many of the adult runners have completed their event, so the youngest trail athletes are the center of attention. Parents are welcome to run with their kids. This year, all kiddos will receive a hat and a wooden finisher medal. Registration costs $8.
📍 Location: Multiple locations in Washington state
Kids event: 10 races ranging from 0.5 to 1.7 miles in length
Why we love it: Kids can fill up a free booklet with stickers for each race they complete.
Every kid loves memorabilia, therein lies the genius behind Evergreen Trails Runs’ new Woodland Speeders Program. The Washington-based trail series is set among stately evergreens and features a combination of steep climbs on Tiger Mountain and rolling trail runs through Echo Valley. The series goes from February to November, and each race offers a free kids’ distance ranging from 0.5 to 1.7 miles with 500 feet of climbing. Kids earn an animal pin with each event they complete. Littles of all ages can participate; the organizers encourage caregivers to accompany kids ages 4 and younger.
📍 Location: North Bend, Pennsylvania
Kids event: 2.75-mile run for kids only
Why we love it: The perfect kid-focused event for budding junior runners
A kids-only race is the perfect way to let blossoming trail runners level up. The Little Loggers Trail Fest is a hilly, 2.75-mile trail race with a stream crossing for kids 12 and younger. It’s part of the Rocksylvania Kids Trail Series, which includes the Kanyon Kids Trail Race and the Smallfoot Trail Fest. Kids who pre-register and complete all three earn a series prize. Signup is free and parents are welcome to pace their littles.
📍 Location: Topanga, California
Kids event:
Why we love it: The tween-focused distance traces singletrack to the top of a red rock cliff
Spending time in beautiful open spaces is one of the reasons people fall in love with trail running—kids included. The Red Rock Rumble, in gorgeous Topanga, California, is the prime spot to encourage a love of nature among young trail enthusiasts. The race offers two kids categories, including a 1.5-mile course for 11–16-year-olds with roughly 266 feet of vertical gain and loss. A singletrack trail leads teens to the top of a red rock cliff before runners descend down to the finish chute.
📍 Location: Flagler County, Florida
Kids event:
Why we love it: A more competitive, but highly doable step up for flourishing runners.
Several of Florida’s coastal county parks are studded with flowy trails, which makes the Where the Wild Ones Run Trail Race Series perfect for fostering a love of running and racing. The trail series consists of three races in Flagler County, with varying distances based on age groups. For middle-school kids (10 to 13 years), the courses are about 3 miles in length and range from flat to rocky, rooty terrain with some climbing. All racers receive a finishers medal and the top three finishers in each age group earn awards. Signup costs $29 and sponsorship opportunities are available.
📍 Location: Various locations in New Jersey and New York
Kids event: Kids are welcome to run alongside adults at nearly every event
Why we love it: Less emphasis on time, more on falling in love with running.
Kids—even middle and high schoolers—just want to have fun. That’s why we stan for New Jersey’s Sassquad Series with its “trail party” races that put a premium on making runners feel included. Races feature various lengths, ranging from easygoing 5Ks all the way up to ultramarathon distances. Kids receive 15% off registration, but two of the events—Big Bear Squatch South and Big Bear Squatch North—take place in New York’s Harriman State Park, and are reserved for teens 16 and up.
Searching for an even more competitive racing scene for high schoolers and beyond? The National High School Championships in Salida, Colorado, are open to all runners and don’t require a qualifying race. You can also follow the American Trail Running Association’s (ATRA) youth events here.
