The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race
The Hoot Half Marathon offers a unique trail running experience through the rocky and root-filled paths of Alum Creek State Park.
Race Date
Sep 6, 2026
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Location
- Lewis Center, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 436
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Hoot Half Marathon takes place on the challenging Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek State Park, offering a true test for trail runners. This event, which has been held for five editions, attracts around 80 finishers, with a small but loyal group of about 13% returning each year. Runners typically hail from about five states, drawn to the unique summer trail conditions.
The course itself is known for its natural obstacles: rocks and roots abound, making for a demanding but rewarding run. The summer heat adds another layer of challenge to this trail-only half marathon. The race begins at 8 am, with other distances like a 10K also available, providing options for various levels of trail enthusiasts.
Participants can expect a well-organized event with a t-shirt as part of the giveaway. While the field size is modest, the race offers a distinct trail running experience for those who appreciate the rugged beauty and challenge of the Alum Creek State Park trails.
Race-provided description
Join us at the HOOT! In the early morning hours the elusive and fiercely predatory population of owls have haunted Rocks and Roots trail runners since time began.Given their mysterious nocturnal habitats and often eerie vocalizations, owls are ripe fodder for superstitions. Owls have been considered omens of good luck, bad fortune, impendingdoom, wisdom, foolishness, evil and witchcraft, and even predictors of weather. Bizarre examples of owl mythology abound around the globe. Behold the HOOT! While summer on the trails offers some of the best trail conditions, there is no shortage of challenge to be had! The rocks, the roots, and the heat of summer bring you our shortest distances, and the only half marathon we host on the trail. When - Sunday, September 6th. All races start at 8am. What - 10K, and Half Marathon Trail Race Where - The Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek State Park. The start of the race is located just off of Hollenback Rd and just south of the dog park(3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035). Cost - Our races typically sell out 2-6 weeks prior to race day. Please note: The Hoot has a NO REFUND and NO BIB TRANSFER policy for all events.
Through May 31st - $45
June 1st - June 30th - $50
July 1st – July 31st - $55
August 1st - August 31st - $60
September 1st - Race Day - $70
What do you get?
Epic trail race experience!
Event Shirt
Event Medal
Packet Pick Up
Packet pickup will be held at Fleet Feet Sports in Lewis Center before the event on Friday and Saturday of race week during normal business hours.
Race day packet pickup will beginning at 7am at the race site at Alum Creek State Park.
The Course - Course layout is subject to change. Click here to view the Rocks And Roots Trail Map!
The start of the race is located just off of Hollenback Rd and just south of the dog park (3993 Hollenback Rd Lewis Center, OH 43035). Watch for Fleet Feet arrows pointing you in the right direction!
North Loop is run first in clockwise direction for first 10K.
South Loop is run next in counter-clockwise direction for second 10K.
Additional 0.7ish mile loop is run next to complete the Half Marathon.
Cut-off Time
The course closes for all participants at 12:00pm. All Half Marathon participants must begin their 2nd lap before 9:45am.
Results & Photos 2025 - Results | Photos 2024 - Results I Photos 2023- Results 2022 – Results | Photos 2021 – Results | Official Photos | Unofficial FB Photos 2020 – No event due to COVID-19 2019 – Results | Photos 2018 – Results | Photos 2017 – Results | Photos 2016 – Results | Photos 2015 – Results | Photos | Video
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
3993 Hollenback Rd, Lewis Center, OH, 43035
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Park
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick445 years running
~83 finishers a year
shrinking
13% returning runners
5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 5 states
winner 1:40:28
typical high 77°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
77°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 436 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
436
Median time
2:42:35
Latest turnout
82
States
16
Turnout by year
2016–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race?
The The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race is held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race take place?
It takes place in Lewis Center, Ohio.
What distances does the The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles.
Is the The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race course flat and good for a PR?
The The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race?
HalfRuns has finish records for 436 runners who have completed the The Hoot Half Marathon & 10k Trail Race.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Lewis Center? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
