Events
Kettle Cooker 5 Miler
Kettle Cooker 25K
Kettle Cooker 50K
Place
Nottingham, PA US 19362
Description
Explore the scenic Glenroy Preserve trails at the fourth annual Kettle Cooker Five & Dime on October 4th, 2026 presented by Herr's Snacks and Altra Running, along with many local sponsors! It takes a village!
Glenroy Preserve is a beautiful outdoor playground that also happens to be rich in history. Some of the trails will take you through parts of the Underground Railroad, while even running past a tavern that was said to have served patrons during the Civil War.
Each distance is a loop. All distances will follow the same course, however the 5 mile runners will split around mile 4 to the finish. ALL distances offer plenty of undulating hills, creek crossings, mixed terrain, and lots of on-course support. The 50K is two loops of the 25K.
You should wear trail shoes for this race, as there are numerous creek crossings and mixed terrain to traverse. Your feet WILL get wet and trail shoes offer the best drainage and traction. You can jump over some water crossings, but there is at least one that offers no way around but through. Bibs must be worn on the front of your body, so please do not pin it to your hydration pack. We need to be able to see your number.
Start time is 8:00am for ALL distances. Course closes at 5pm, which offers a generous cut-off time for the 50K and plenty of time to celebrate your race!
Registered runners will enjoy:
- Entry to the 5 mile, 25K, or 50K trail race
- Chip timing
- Sweet race tee
- Water and nutrition on course at all four (4) aid stations (Aid #2 is water only)
- A complimentary beer post race (21+)
- Post race snacks, food, and music
Aid Stations:
There are four (4) aid stations on course. If you run the 25K or 50K, you will pass Aid Station 3 twice as you circle back to the finish. All Aid Station mileage locations are approximate, so make sure you carry water and nutrition accordingly.
- Aid Station 1 at mile 2.5: Water, light snacks (cookies, graham crackers, pretzels, gummy candy)
- Aid Station 2 at mile 4: Water cache only and unmanned
- Aid Station 3 at mile 8: Water, cola, pickle shots, cookies, seasonal fruit (ie.oranges, watermelon), chips, trail mix, pickles
- Aid Station 4 at mile 12: Water, cola, everything that's at #3 plus, PBJ, cheese quesadillas, boiled potatoes, NA beer, and Fireball shots
Finish line festivities will include, burgers, hot dogs, chili (vegetarian and carnivorous), chips, beer (na and regular octane), soda, and water.
Make a weekend of it!
Coming from out of town? We've got you covered. Check out some of our favorite local hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops to fuel up before the race and celebrate afterward. Supporting our local businesses helps keep our trail community thriving!
Where to Stay:
We recommend staying in North East, MD, just 15–20 minutes from Glenroy Preserve.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – North East (there are others in that area, as well)
- Winery & Vineyard Loft (Airbnb adjacent to Glenroy Preserve)
- Check out Airbnb for more options!
Where to eat:
- Nottingham Inn: Fantastic burgers and more, breakfast, ice cream
- Early Bird Cafe: Great breakfast and lunch menus
- Wholly Grounds: Delicious coffee and fresh donuts (limited hours)
- La Sacilia: Italian classics and pizza (if they have the chicken dumpling soup, get that, too!)
- Sawmill Grill: A local favorite known for burgers, sandwiches, wings, and craft beer. Great post-race gathering spot.
- Octoraro Hotel and Tavern: Historic downtown tavern with burgers and pub fare.
- Taqueria Los Juarez: Excellent fajitas, chimichangas, and generous portions (personal favorite is Huarache!)
Pre-race packet pickup:
Saturday, October 3 from 11-3pm at Lola's 57 S. 3rd St., Oxford, PA.
Please note: Please plan to pick up your packet prior to the race, but if you cannot make it happen, there will be race day pick up from 6:45-7:30am only. Race registration closes on October 2.
Follow us on Instagram: @kettlecookertrailrace
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
FAQ
- Where do I park on race day? There will be about 3 acres of field parking available, along with assistance from volunteers. There is room for about 300 cars, but please carpool if you are able to. Please note: these are mowed fields and may be muddy if it rains leading up to, and including race day.
- Can I camp out the night before the race? Glenroy Preserve does not allow overnight camping. Feel free to arrive an hour or two before gun time to hang out or help set up!
- Do you have course maps? Course maps, including elevation, can be viewed under the Course Photos tab.
- When/where is packet pickup? Saturday packet pickup will be at Lola's in Oxford, PA from 12-3pm.
- What will be provided at the aid stations? Water, light trail snacks like fruit snacks, fig bars, twizzlers, pretzels, and even a special surprise once you climb the enormous hill around mile 7! Longer distances will have the usual trail nutrition at aid stations: Quesadillas, pierogi, PBJ, potatoes, etc
- Should I bring a handheld or hydration vest? Definitely bring one or the other! This is a CUPLESS race! There is an option during registration to add a reusable collapsible cup for $5. It's worth the few extra dollars, but also great to have it in your arsenal for other races!
- Can my dog run the race with me? Although we love our four-legged friends, we cannot allow dogs to run with their two-legged owners due to possible liabilities.
- Will there be food provided after the race? There will be water, one beer for 21+ runners, soda, BBQ, light snacks, and additional treats. Make sure that you allow time for the post-race celebration! Further details to come!
- Will the race be cancelled if it rains? This race will take place on October 5, rain or shine!
- Can I walk this event? Yes, this course is very walker/hiker friendly. Keep in mind that the course will close at 5pm, but this allows for a very generous pace for all distances. Take your time and enjoy the peacefulness of Glenroy!
- Will I have cell service at Glenroy? Yes! Nearly all parts of the preserve have clear cell service.
- Are their bathroom facilities available? Yes, there will be porta-potties available on site at the start/finish line.
- What type of running shoes should I wear? The trails are very well maintained with a mix of single track, fields, and somewhat rocky terrain at times, along with a few water crossings. We suggest that you use a trail specific shoe for the best traction and drainage.
