Are you a serious runner looking for the next level of challenge? Or an avid outdoors lover who wants to sweat in nature? Maybe you get a buzz from fast-paced community events and opportunities to volunteer for the greater good. Perhaps you and your family are just looking for an activity to get you out of bed on a Saturday morning before the heat kicks in.

If you fall into any of these categories, Stoaked Trail Run is for you. On Saturday, August 5, racers will line up at the start at Oak Hill Cross Country Course at Storrs Pond.

The Upper Valley Trails Alliance hosts the STOAKED Trail Run. This organization also works to build and maintain trails throughout the greater Upper Valley, like the one at Oak Hills. This race, in addition to seven other official and two non-point events, constitutes the Western NH Trail Running Series for the 2017 summer.

If you think you could benefit from a summer-long series of trail races to build endurance and strengthen your community ties, consider signing up for the whole series at a discounted rate—$99 registers adults for all races in the series, while ages 15–19 race for $65 all summer long, and juniors under 14 run for free. Accumulate points for your participation and time, and compete for a series win!

For the STOAKED race, register online before August 4 for a discount: $15 for adults and $10 for youth. Race-day registration adds $5 to each price. There is also a free Fun Run for kids with a much shorter route so the whole family can participate.

The race itself is not for the faint of heart. The route is 12.5 kilometers (7.7 miles plus), and it’s a true trail run, with steep inclines and narrow footing. But don’t let that deter you from a chance to participate in what might be your first or your fiftieth trail race. The course through the woods is clearly marked and includes the full gamut of XC trail terrain.

You’ll begin in the wide field at the base of Oak Hill, ascend into the woods to complete a section of single-track trail at a higher elevation, and then descend to meet up with the flatter Rollercoaster Loop around Storrs Pond. Check out the course map and elevation gain ahead of time here to plan your surges and recovery times. Wear your sturdiest sneakers or trail-running shoes, and prepare for muddy terrain.

Think you have a shot at coming out on top in your age group? You might be motivated by some of the generous prizes offered. Awards usually include gift cards or items donated by Ibex Clothing as well as other products like local jams, King Arthur Flour bread mixes, running gear, and more. After the race, participants can also refuel with refreshing and filling snacks like fresh watermelon, bagels and spreads, local salsa and dips, and plenty of rehydrating fluids. The event itself is generously sponsored by Team AMP, Ibex, and Cioffredi & Associates.

Another important aspect of the race is the volunteer efforts that go into making the day possible. The Upper Valley Trails Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with registration, course directions, and Fun Run support. If you still want to participate in the run, a limited number of volunteer positions allow you to help out and then run the course for free afterwards. And best of all, all volunteers are thanked with a free day pass to Storrs Pond, so you can cool off in the water after. Email [email protected] to participate.

The race starts and finishes at the Storrs Pond Upper Parking Lot at 50 Reservoir Road in Hanover. Race day registration runs from 7–8:30am, and the race begins promptly at 9am. Let your friends know you’re going on the Facebook event pages and share to support the Upper Valley Trails Alliance.