South Mountain Reservation Mayapple Trail Runs

Runners are invited to register for the annual Mayapple Trail Runs to be held in beautiful South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, N.J. The races are organized by the volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) with the support of the Essex County Parks Department. We also receive invaluable support from Sassquad Trail Running, which generously provides volunteer support for race timing and general event assistance.

Race Details
The USA Track and Field sanctioned races provide an informal but supportive trail race environment for runners who are up to the challenge of completing 10 miles, 20 miles, 50K (31 miles), or 50 miles. All proceeds support the mission of the Conservancy as a steward and advocate for the park and its public programs.

There are two race loops, east (E) and west (W), each just over 10 miles. The 50K and 50-mile runners all start at 8:30 a.m. with the east (E) loop. The 50K runners complete two additional loops (E, W, E in total), and the 50-milers complete four additional loops (E, W, E, W, E in total). The10 and 20-milers start at 9:30 a.m. on the west loop. The 10-milers run only that loop; the 20-milers then complete the east loop as well. The Kids Run is on a separate one-mile course that overlaps the east loop for the first half. All races will end at 9:30 p.m. EDT, 13 hours after the 8:30 start. (Sunset is at 8:12 p.m.)

These start times allow runners to travel via train from Penn Station, NYC, to Millburn on New Jersey Transit’s Morris-Essex Line. There are 7:11 a.m. and 8:11 a.m. trains leaving Penn Station, NYC, to Millburn for the 45-minute trip. The Millburn station is two blocks away from the Locust Grove starting point. Return trains run every hour.

Runners can drop down distances during the race and not be deemed DNF, but will only be counted in the standing for medals if they run the same course at the same time. Specifically, any runner who starts at 8:30 a.m. can drop down to a lesser distance started at that time (50 miles to 50K) and be considered for medals. If these runners, complete only 20 miles (E and W loops) their time will be recorded, but they will not be medal eligible. Similarly, a 20-miler who decides to complete only 10 miles can be considered for prizes at the lesser distance.

There are aid stations roughly every five miles. At the stations, we offer electrolyte drinks and water, granola bars, pretzels and snacks. If you have a special request, please let us know; we will do our best.

This an entirely volunteer supported effort, from the race directors to those staffing the aid stations, so any donations in addition to the fee are much appreciated and support the Conservancy’s mission.

Course Description
All races start at the Locust Grove picnic area in Millburn. The course consists of a 10.5-mile east loop and 10.2-mile west loop through the forested 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation. Following along the valley floor and the two ridges, the course includes long stretches of double-wide gravel roads, technically challenging, meandering single-track hiking trails with roots and rocks, and a short, half-mile stretch of pavement. It is a good combination of level paths, rolling hills, moderate climbs, and a few very steep ascents. The east and west loops total approximately 1,500 feet of ascent. Aid stations positioned approximately every five miles on the east and west loops. More details on our website.