BTA Blue Blaze Festival

07/27/2026

60 days until we kick off the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival
in the amazing village of Shawnee Ohio.

07/08/2026

The course maps for the Half Marathon, 10K and 5K have been updated. The trail events happen on Saturday morning, but don't forget about Friday evening activities in Shawnee hosted by Destination Shawnee and the Tecumseh Theater. Live music and presentations.

07/07/2026

80 Days Until Blue Blaze Festival!!!

The countdown is on.

In just 80 days, we’ll be back in Shawnee, Ohio for a weekend of trail running, hiking, backpacking, learning, and celebrating everything that makes this part of Ohio so special.

Join us September 25–26, 2026, as we celebrate National Public Lands Day with the Buckeye Trail Association, Destination Shawnee, Wayne National Forest, and an incredible community of outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you’re running the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon, joining the guided 10-mile hike, participating in the backpacking workshop, or simply coming out to enjoy the festival, there’s something for everyone.

Be sure to stay tuned here to stay up to date on presenter announcements, event details, fun features, and a few exciting new additions we’re looking forward to sharing over the coming weeks.

We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to share what’s ahead. See you in 80 days.

03/03/2026

Registration for the Blue Blaze Festival is now open. Run Hike Backpack on National Public Lands Day,

The Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack is on Saturday September 26, 2026. It includes the following events: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run/Walk, and 10 Mile Hike.

02/26/2026

Call for backpack instructors!
The Blue Blaze Festival on September 25-26, will be offering a Backpacking Workshop for beginner backpackers. We are looking for two BTA members with backpacking experience to co-lead this overnight backpacking trek. As part of the Blue Blaze Festival, the workshop will start in Shawnee on Friday, head out backpacking on the BT, overnight camping and return to Shawnee on Saturday.

If interesting in helping with this workshop, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

The Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack is on Saturday September 26, 2026. It includes the following events: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run/Walk, and 10 Mile Hike.

02/10/2026

Registration will open on March 1st
https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Shawnee/RunForBlueBlazes

01/15/2026

Thank to our event sponsors and local partners including Athletic Brewing, Kindred Market and Destination Shawnee.

01/15/2026

We are looking forward to our 2026 event, scheduled for Saturday, September 26th on National Public Lands Day. Registration will open soon. Join us this year in celebration of the Buckeye Trail.