Last year I participated in the Dragons in the Woods 5K trail race at Burchfield Park. The race was cut unexpectedly short by a miscalculation of the course. By over a mile.
Typically I wouldn’t return to a race that is missing that much mileage, especially in a 5K. But because Dragons in the Woods is hosted on one of the trail systems I’m frequently running, I decided to sign up again this year. I’m really glad I did.
Dragons in the Woods 5K Course
A fall run through Burchfield Park is hard to beat. The colors had just begun to pop and the course was beautiful.
The course was looped, starting and ending at Burchfield Park. Participants followed the trail through the park over to Riverbend Park.
The first portion of the race was primarily flat and dirt. There were a few obstacles from miscellaneous roots and rocks but nothing extreme. Most of those were in the first half mile. After that, the course smoothed out into an easily runable trail.
Around the halfway mark, runners moved onto the Meadows Trail, leaving the forest behind for about a mile. The meadow trail is exactly what it sounds like. The trail turned from dirt into grass and became slightly more hilly and curvy as it wound its way through the meadow. We picked up the forest again on the final stretch of the race.
Because this was a smaller race, the race flowed really well. I didn’t encounter a single “conga line” and there was plenty of space to pass other runners.
The Goodies
The goodies remained the same this year. All participants received a long sleeve tech shirt. I was really excited that they went with the same shirt this year in a different color. I have worn mine from last year all the time. I love the vibrant, bright colors and that it is functional.
Overall winners (male/female) and masters (male/female) receive these amazing wooden dragons.
Top 3 finishes for each age group (male/female) get these beautifully designed pint glasses. They are also the same as last year so if you run this one multiple times and place, expect to get several really cool pint glasses.
Overall
Dragons in the Woods 5K is a small race with just under 100 participants. It is a 100% trail race with only a tiny bit of pavement right at the finish line. It is a beautiful fall race with lots of colors and that crisp, cool morning air.
With the course issues being resolved this year, I can confidently say this one is going on my annual list of races to participate in.
Learn more at RunSign Up. Race photographs by Time Frame Photography.