Outlast Cleveland 2026
OUTLAST Cleveland 2026 takes place on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Oak Pavilion within the Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville, Ohio. Participants can expect typical spring weather in the Cleveland area, which often includes mild temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit, though humidity and occasional rain are possible. This trail endurance challenge utilizes a unique 6-hour format where runners must complete 5K loops on rugged terrain consisting of dirt, roots, rocks, and elevation changes.
What is the OUTLAST event format and how does it work?
OUTLAST is a 6-hour trail endurance challenge rather than a traditional race. The format requires participants to complete a 5K loop every hour, on the hour, for up to six rounds. To stay in the challenge, runners must finish each lap before the next hour begins. If a runner finishes a loop early, they rest until the next scheduled start time. If a runner fails to meet the hourly cutoff, they are eliminated from the event.
What are the distances involved in the challenge?
- →5K trail loop completed every hour for up to 6 rounds
What is the schedule for the event?
The daily schedule for both Saturday and Sunday is as follows:
- →6:30 AM – 7:45 AM: Packet Pickup
- →7:45 AM: Race Debrief
- →8:00 AM: Loop 1 Start
- →9:00 AM: Loop 2 Start
- →10:00 AM: Loop 3 Start
- →11:00 AM: Loop 4 Start
- →12:00 PM: Loop 5 Start
- →1:00 PM: Loop 6 Start
- →2:00 PM: Final Cutoff
What rewards and patches can participants earn?
Achievements are based on the number of laps completed:
- →4 laps completed: "Grit Earned" patch
- →5 laps completed: "Survivor" patch
- →6 laps completed: Premium "OUTLAST" medal and a spot on the national leaderboard
- →Completion of both Saturday and Sunday: "TOUGHER N' NAILS" Double OUTLAST Plaque
What is included with registration?
- →All participants receive a premium OUTLAST Tee
Are there prizes for competitive runners?
- →Local Winners: The fastest combined 5K times (male/female) per day receive the 1st Place OUTLAST Award.
- →City Champions: The 1st place male and female per event earn a spot in the OUTLAST Championship.
- →National Leaderboard: The top 100 best times across all tour events qualify for the Championship.
- →National Champion: The fastest runner across all OUTLAST events wins $1,000.
- →Championship Winners: The male and female championship winners each win $1,000.
What should I expect regarding terrain and gear?
The course is located on trails with natural elevation and unpredictable conditions, including dirt, roots, and rocks, with some pavement and gravel present. It is highly recommended to wear trail shoes. Because the course is designed to be run repeatedly, pacing discipline is essential to avoid exhaustion in later rounds.
What hydration and aid station information is available?
- →This is a cupless event; participants must bring their own water bottle or hydration vest.
- →Basecamp provides water, basic hydration, and snacks between laps.
Are there facilities for camping?
- →Tents are allowed at the venue, and participants are encouraged to build their own basecamp.
Can I walk the course?
- →Walking is permitted, provided the runner completes the loop within the one-hour cutoff.
Where can I view the course map?
The route can be viewed on Strava ↗.