Autumn is creeping up behind this sticky, hot summer. For my fellow board members of the North Park Trail Runners (NPTR) and me, that means our 6th Annual North Ridge Nightmare Trail Race is in full planning mode. Switching gears from trail runners to trail race directors has been an incredible learning experience. And So. Much. Work.
North Ridge Nightmare started as a passion project to have fun and raise money for our beloved North Park in Allegheny County. Our first race was smaller, but the concept has not changed as we’ve grown over the years. Runners have the option of two race distances – a 6.66K and a 13K and we change the course every year.
The routes are decorated in spooky-season fashion, the aid stations are haunted and we have volunteers who will scare you along the way. Dressing in costume is encouraged but not required. Participants celebrate at the Haunted Barn post-race. NPTR provides a plethora of snacks, drinks and Halloween spirit along with Overall and Age Group awards. The best part? Trick- or-Treating of course! Runners wind through the barn collecting swag from each station. Items are donated by companies and geared towards runners including a smorgasbord of sports nutrition and hydration products, wipes, canned coffee, snack foods, cookies and so much more.
Appalachian Running Company will be a third-year sponsor of this race (THANK YOU!!). Their partnership helps provide a one-of-a-kind race experience for the Western Pennsylvania trail community. With money raised from sponsorships and registration fees, we’ve been able to fund and provide volunteers for trail improvement projects such as bridge builds, turnpikes and approximately 1,000 tree plantings.
As a runner who LOVES Halloween, this race has been so fulfilling to me. Watching North Ridge Nightmare become a beloved tradition for so many keeps me inspired. The countless hours of planning, meetings, creating props and signage and race- day execution is exhausting and stressful. I look forward to it every year! I personally cannot wait to scare you on race day!
Want to give North Ridge Nightmare a try on October 24, 2026? Registration is open on RunSignUp. Sign up before it sells out!
https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/NorthRidgeNightmareTrailRace
Race information is also available at the Wexford and Waterfront stores. Heck, get yourself a fresh pair of trail shoes while you’re there!
Do you live in the area and want to join the North Park Trail Runners? It’s free to become a member and comes with many benefits. You can find us online at https://northparktrailrunners.com
Facebook and Instagram: @northparktrailrunners
About the author: Karen Cohn is a life-long runner, a dabbler in ultras and lover of trails. Nowadays, she prefers Hoka Speedgoats and Saucony Peregrines to Keds. She grew up in Cleveland, OH, has been married 23 years and has three teenage sons.
