Set your sights on the Pawling 24 Hour Trail Running Festival on September 19, 2026, a captivating endurance challenge held at Lakeside Park in Pawling, NY. Organized by Conquer The World / C.T.W Endurance, this event, now in its sixth edition, transforms trail running into a vibrant festival experience. Participants can choose from timed races spanning 3, 6, 12 (Day or Night Start), or the ultimate 24-hour challenge, all on a meticulously designed 1.68-mile loop. The course itself is a varied delight, blending pavement, grass, and engaging single-track trail, with each loop presenting roughly 160 feet of elevation gain. Approximately 60% of the course winds along unpaved trails, offering a true trail running adventure as you circle a picturesque lake.

Runners consistently praise the Pawling 24 Hour Trail Running Festival for its unique atmosphere and exceptional support. Described as a "festival," the event comes alive day and night with encouraging aid, delicious food, and motivating music, fostering a welcoming environment for both seasoned ultrarunners and those tackling their first endurance challenge. The athlete and crew area, located in a large grass field adjacent to the loop, provides ample space for tents and support, with an indoor building offering restrooms and shelter should the weather turn. Aid stations are well-stocked, providing Skratch and UCAN products, water, sodas, Athletic Brewing, bagels, fruit, and candy, though runners should note it's a cupless event.

Typical race day conditions in Pawling in mid-September feature pleasant highs around 70°F and lows near 52°F, with only a 13% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather for pushing your limits. All finishers are celebrated with medals, and the top three male and female athletes in each distance receive awards. For those aiming to conquer the coveted 100-mile mark, a special belt buckle awaits, a testament to the immense achievement in this challenging timed format. Pacers are not permitted, promoting individual fortitude, but 24-hour runners can have limited support for up to three laps after 11 PM.