All of the Above Trail Fest
The theme? To welcome EVERYONE. Specifically, we’re calling for queer and transgender runners, and their allies, to come play on the trails with us - regardless of competition or athletic level. No matter who you are, or what ‘box’ you might check, you are encouraged to participate - we’re celebrating the person, not the body, at this fest.
In the spirit of how things work at Beast Coast Trail Running, the AotA Trail Fest will offer a longer (20-25k) prediction run event, a shorter (5k) untimed Fun Run/Hike, and a Kid’s Run for the little (but mighty) ones. Prizes will be awarded NOT based on gendered placing (heck, we aren’t even collecting gender data when you register), but based on who predicts their finish time the closest, as well as other equally important criteria such as ‘who has the most fun out here’. At the 5k, we aren’t timing the event and there won’t be ranked results - this is a place to find your joy, push yourself (if you want!), and experience the trail with no judgment.
We also understand that some folks want to support the cause but might not be able to join us in-person, so we’re offering a Virtual Run option that will allow you to run, support the idea of welcoming and celebrating everyone, fundraising for the Venture Out Project (if you’d like)…and generally be part of the All of the Above Trail Fest from afar.
Date: September 20, 2025
Time: 10am for prediction run (20k), 11am for 5k fun run/hike, 11:11am for kid’s run
Check in: 1 hour before your race starts
Location: Northfield Mountain Recreation Area (99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield MA)
Cost: $65 for prediction run, $45 for 5k fun run/hike, and $10 donation for kid’s run
** Funds are available, upon request, to any runner who needs support to participate. No questions will be asked, no justification needed, if funds are available then partial or full entry fee support will be given.
Sound like fun? Participants - Sign up here. Volunteers - Sign up here.
There will be day-of registration available, however prices will jump so pre-reg preferred.
More background: AOTA trail race was founded by The Venture Out Project alongside Beast Coast Trail Running in 2022, to raise money for TVOP's transformative wilderness trips, and to bring together queer and trans runners, hikers, and allies. The Venture Out Project continues to host events around the country that create spaces in the outdoors for LGBTQ+ folks to recreate and rekindle connections with themselves, each other, and the natural world. As federal funding for outdoor programs and anything pertaining to LGBTQ+ people is slashed, your donations mean more now than ever before. Thank you for supporting TVOP and LGBTQ+ people here and across the country.
A bit of the details on this race are below:
1) Elevation Gain/Loss: The course is hilly - it's at Northfield Mountain after all! The 20k (prediction run course) includes two trips up Northfield and 2,500 feet of climbing. The 5k (fun run/hike) is actually a 6k (welcome to trail running!) includes 900 feet of climbing.
2) The Course: The 20k (prediction course) is available here (.gpx file). The 5k (fun run/hike) is available here (.gpx file). If you’re a visual person like me, then you can see the Northfield Mountain Trail Map with the 5k (pink highlight) and 20k (yellow highlight).
3) Aid Stations: There will be plenty of aid along the way, the 20k (prediction run) participants will have support at 2.5 miles (Rainbow Aid Station), 5.75 miles (Pride Aid Station), and 9.9 miles (Rainbow Aid Station). The 5k (fun run/hike) participants will have support at 2.1 miles (Rainbow Aid Station).
4) Cutoff Times: The course will be open for 5 hours, so all runners must be done by 3:00pm. If you are anxious about the cut-off times, an early start is available upon request.
5) Prizes: for this event, prizes won’t be awarded based on finishing time or placing. Prizes will be given out for important things such as predicting your finish time closest, best blood, most Pride spirit, etc.
6) Start Location: The race will start/finish at Northfield Mountain Recreation Area (Northfield, MA). There will be event parking on their front lawn, as directed by volunteers.
7) The Price: We are trying to keep the price as reasonable as possible., while also supporting this important cause. We hope you’ll think that the fun you’ll have and support you’ll see is well worth the cost to participate!
8) Weather warning: This race is held in mid-September, and this is New England. It can be muddy, it can be leafy, it can be snowing (yikes!), or it could be hot and humid. Prepare for anything!!!
9) Nourishment: We'll have all the basics needed on-course! For hydration, we will have water, energy drink, and soda. For food, there will be the standard cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, fruit, etc. At the finish line, y’all will enjoy some munchies, and we encourage you to bring lunch and a lawn chair to relax and enjoy after you finish (while cheering others on, of course!).
10) Medical: There will be medical support at the start/finish area for those who need it.
11) Guidelines: If you are stopping, you must let a race official know. Per USATF regulations, we discourage the use of headphones. Otherwise, have some fun out there!
12) AWDs: We welcome the participation of Athletes with Disabilities at this event! To learn how it all works, we will follow the general rules as set forth here.
13) Volunteers: We of course can't do this without the support of volunteers to help out runners along the way. If you are interested in volunteering, more info and sign-up is here. Thank you!!!