Chapel Hill, NC | Saturday, May 16, 2026Registration Closed
Race Day Info for Saturday ( race day info email sent to registered racers on May 12) The 7th Annual Zen Squirrel Trail Run is where it all started for Roadless Races in 2019, and it's BACK! Offering 2 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile distance options, this race brings together trail runners for fun, challenge, and healthy competition. Runners will be treated to some awesome courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt trails, rock and root strewn single-track, and challenging hill climbs. After finishing the race, enjoy post-race food, great music, a free kids race, and an awards ceremony with fun contests and lots of giveaways. Sprawling over 900 acres and located on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC , Briar Chapel is a green community that boasts a vast network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition to 20+ miles of fantastic trails at Briar Chapel, centrally located Great Meadow Park , with its beautiful lawn, stage, and pavilion, offers a perfect setting area to start and finish a race.
Available Distances
Awards & Prizes
Awards, Age Groups, Contests, and Giveaways
Awards (1st-5th place tumblers) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) for top five overall M/F competitors in each distance. Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) for the top three M/F competitors in each age group. Age groups for each distance: 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Racers and volunteers are invited to join the contests - fun stuff such as push-ups, sprint, squat, cornhole, rock/paper/scissors, etc, etc. Contest winners receive NICE swag like Goodr sungl
Refer your friends and earn rewards
Invite friends to join in the fun. Every person who signs up using your unique referral link will help you earn the following rewards. Receive a sweet Roadless Races Trucker Hat when you refer TWO (2) runners. One hat/person. Pick up your hat at check-in. Receive $25 cash back for EVERY FOUR (4) runners you refer . Your referral link will be included on your confirmation email and we will also send you a separate email that you can forward to your friends. Also, your referral link will be embedd
Participant Giveaway
2 Miles: T-Shirt
5 Miles: T-Shirt
10 Miles: T-Shirt
Registration & Pricing
Distance
Price
Opens
Closes
2 Miles
$37.00
Dec 21
Jan 11
$40.00
Jan 12
Feb 16
$43.00
Feb 17
Apr 19
$45.00
Apr 20
May 15
$50.00
May 16
May 16
5 Miles
$45.00
Dec 21
Jan 11
$47.00
Jan 12
Feb 16
Past Results
10 Miles
Year
Finishers
Median Time
Fastest Time
2025
34
1:55:24
1:23:03
2024
65
1:58:59
1:17:56
2019
60
1:47:40
1:16:39
2 Miles
Year
Finishers
Median Time
Fastest Time
2025
55
27:10
16:03
2024
72
27:52
17:18
Interested in this race?
$50.00
Feb 17
Apr 19
$55.00
Apr 20
May 15
$60.00
May 16
May 16
10 Miles
$55.00
Dec 21
Jan 11
$57.00
Jan 12
Feb 16
$60.00
Feb 17
Apr 19
$65.00
Apr 20
May 15
$70.00
May 16
May 16
Parking and Staging @ Briar Chapel
Race Highlights / Registration Fee Includes
Limited race entry to provide an intimate and friendly race experience and to prevent overcrowding on the trails Fun and challenging course design Professional race operations Superbly marked course – you won’t get lost Race tee that you’ll love and want to wear. Comes in men's/unisex , women's , and youth sizes (see link for sizing/specs). Exciting atmosphere with great music Excellent volunteer support Frequent and well-stocked aid stations every 1-2 miles along the course Medical supp
Schedule of Events
SATURDAY, 5/16/26 (Race Day) STAGING AREA: Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel (161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516) 7:00am: Check-in Opens 7:50am: 10 Mile Pre-Race Brief 8:00am: 10 Mile Start 8:20am: 5 Mile Pre-Race Brief 8:30am: 5 Mile Start 8:35am: 2 Mile Pre-Race Brief 8:45am: 2 Mile Start 9:00am-11am: Post-race Food/Beverage 10:00am: FREE Kids Race for Treasure (kids 11-U) 10:15am: Awards 10:30am: Contests and Giveaways
