Lace up your trail shoes for the Muddy Sneaker 20K Trail Run, an iconic and challenging race set for April 18, 2026, in the scenic Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area of Naples, NY. Established in 2000, this 20K (approximately 12-mile) event is renowned for some of the most rapid elevation changes in the Finger Lakes region, making it a true test of grit and determination rather than a course for personal bests. Runners will navigate a rugged landscape that is 95% unpaved, featuring a mix of grassy logging roads, rocky single track, and plenty of mud. Expect to encounter natural hazards such as roots, rocks, logs to climb over and duck under, and multiple stream crossings, all while immersed in the raw beauty of the wilderness. The course spans elevations from 750 feet to a high point of 1900 feet, with a particularly demanding 500-foot climb in the final two miles.

The Muddy Sneaker 20K promises a genuine adventure in nature. The race begins at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup starting at 7:30 AM at the primitive start/finish area, equipped with Port-a-Johns. Aid stations are strategically placed around miles 2.5, 6, 9, and 10.5, offering water, energy drinks, and sugary/salty snacks to keep you fueled, along with mild medical assistance. Typical race day conditions in mid-April bring highs around 58°F and lows around 34°F, with a 14% chance of precipitation, so prepare for anything from cool spring air to potentially muddy and icy patches.

This isn't just a race; it's an experience designed to push your limits against the backdrop of the Hi Tor wilderness. Runners consistently describe it as a difficult yet amazing race, where even experienced trail runners are forced to dig deep on its relentless climbs. If you're looking to challenge yourself against the elements and embrace the unpredictable beauty of trail running, the Muddy Sneaker 20K Trail Run awaits.