Alum Creek Trail Races

Located in Delaware County just north of Columbus, Alum Creek State Park is a 4,630-acre park centered around a 3,387-acre reservoir. It is a major recreational hub in central Ohio, offering a wide range of water and land activities.

Key Features & Recreation

• Water Sports & Boating: The southern area of the reservoir allows unlimited horsepower boating and water-skiing, while the northern coves offer no-wake zones popular for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

• Swimming: Home to Ohio’s largest inland beach, spanning 3,000 feet along the lake.

• Trails: Features extensive networks of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails—including the popular multi-use paths and the Rocks and Roots single-track trail system.

• Camping & Amenities: Includes a full-service marina, a large campground with electric and full-hookup sites, picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a dedicated dog park with lake access.

Trail Running 101

Trail running is the sport and practice of running on unpaved outdoor paths, such as hiking trails, dirt roads, singletrack, forest tracks, and mountain paths. Unlike road running on asphalt or concrete, it involves navigating natural terrain and variable landscapes.

Key Characteristics

• Varied Terrain: Runners encounter natural obstacles including rocks, roots, mud, steep inclines, uneven surfaces, and creek crossings.

• Lower Impact, Higher Agility: The softer ground reduces repetitive joint impact compared to pavement, but the uneven footing requires greater ankle stability, core balance, and mental focus on stride placement.

• Scenery and Environment: Races and recreational runs typically take place in state/national parks, nature reserves, and mountains, placing a heavy emphasis on connecting with nature.

• Gear Requirements: Specialized trail-running shoes with aggressive tread lugs for traction, rock plates for foot protection, and durable uppers. Runners often use hydration vests or handheld bottles, as trails are typically remote and lack public water fountains.

• Distance Range: Events span standard distances (like 5Ks and 10Ks) up to ultra-marathons (50Ks, 50-milers, 100-milers, and multi-day stage races).

Alum Creek State Park in Lewis Center, Ohio, offers access to both outdoor, lakeside options and nearby suburban amenities, as it sits just north of the busy Polaris shopping corridor.

Where to Eat

• Lakeside Grill and Chill: Situated right at the Alum Creek Marina, offering quick lakeside snacks, hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, and sunset views over the water.

• Water's Edge Sports Grill: A local favorite just minutes from the park in Galena, serving pub fare, burgers, wings, and strombolis.

• Tavern at the Creek: A casual neighborhood spot in Galena with an outdoor patio, ideal for pizza and draft beers after a day on the lake.

• Polaris Parkway Dining Corridor: Located about 10 minutes south of the park, offering a wide selection of sit-down chain and casual restaurants like Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern and Sunny Street Café.

Where to Stay