McDougal Lake Trail Fest 2026
The McDougal Lake Trail Fest 2026 takes place from June 27 to June 28, 2026, at McDougal Lake on Stiles Ford Road in Hodgenville, Kentucky. This mixed weekend festival features a combination of trail running on Saturday and mountain bike (MTB) racing on Sunday. Participants can expect typical late June weather in Hodgenville, which often includes warm to hot temperatures and the possibility of seasonal afternoon thunderstorms. The event utilizes natural trail terrain surrounding the lake for all competitive disciplines.
What is the schedule for the McDougal Lake Trail Fest 2026?
Saturday, June 27 — Trail Runs
- →4 Mile Trail Run: Starts at 8:00 AM EDT
- →8 Mile Trail Run: Starts at 8:00 AM EDT
Sunday, June 28 — MTB Races
- →MTB 4 Mile Junior Race: Starts at 7:45 AM EDT
- →Four for 7/4 Challenge: Starts at 8:30 AM EDT
- →Race Loops: Starts at 8:30 AM EDT
- →Four for 7/4 (E-Bikes Only): Starts at 8:30 AM EDT
- →Race Loops (E-Bikes): Starts at 8:30 AM EDT
- →Party Lap: Starts at 8:35 AM EDT
What distances are available for the trail runs and MTB races?
Trail Running Distances
- →4 Mile Trail Run
- →8 Mile Trail Run
Mountain Bike (MTB) Distances
- →4 Mile Junior Race (Ages 8–12)
- →Four for 7/4 Challenge: 32 miles (4 laps of 8 miles each)
- →Race Loops: 16 miles (2 laps of 8 miles each)
- →Party Lap: 8 miles (1 lap)
How much does registration cost?
Individual Race Entries
- →4 Mile Trail Run: $35 (Note: 42 spots remaining)
- →8 Mile Trail Run: $45
- →MTB 4 Mile Junior Race: $25
- →Four for 7/4 Challenge: $45 (Note: 42 spots remaining in Open Division)
- →Race Loops: $35
- →Four for 7/4 (E-Bikes Only): $45
- →Race Loops (E-Bikes): $35
- →Party Lap: $25
Double Down Bundle (Discounted Saturday + Sunday Combo)
- →4 Mile Trail Run + Race Loops: $50
- →8 Mile Trail Run + Four for 7/4: $50
What awards and swag are provided?
Awards
- →1st–3rd place, both genders for 4 Mile and 8 Mile Trail Runs
- →1st–3rd place, both genders for MTB Junior, Four for 7/4 (Open), and Race Loops
- →E-Bike Division: No podium awards, but participants receive a t-shirt and medal
- →Party Lap: No awards; every finisher receives a t-shirt and participation medal
Participant Swag
- →T-shirt for all participants who register before the deadline
- →Custom medal and decal for every participant
Are there specific rules for the MTB categories?
- →Four for 7/4 Challenge: This is a 32-mile race with a 4-hour time limit.
- →Junior Race: Recommended pace is 40 minutes at a 6 mph average.
- →E-Bike Divisions: Specific categories exist for both the Four for 7/4 and Race Loops formats.
- →Party Lap: This is a non-competitive "fun" category.
Where can I find the route details?
No detailed course map or GPX link is currently provided for the natural trail terrain at McDougal Lake.