Holdenwood Trail Run

2K/5K/10K - September 27, 2026

Scenic, challenging, and satisfying the Holdenwood Trail Run has been delighting walkers, joggers and runners for over a decade. The course flows through mown grass fields, dirt trails, cool forests, cobblestone bridges and rural roads.

The Holden family and the Shirley community invite walkers and runners of all ages to join them on the trails for the 19th running of this early-fall charity run that benefits the Ayer-Shirley Education Foundation (ASEF).

UPDATE 9/23/2026

The team is closely monitoring this weekend’s weather. A little rain won’t keep us off the course, but if the weather looks extreme we may need to cancel the race. If needed, we are exploring possibilities for rescheduling later in October. Thanks for your understanding.

Any decision about the race will be posted here and sent out by email to registrants by the end of the day on Friday 9/25.

A race for everyone

2K walk / Run

The 2K course runs through the north side of the Holdenwood forests. This is an excellent course for young children and for walkers. Jogging strollers are allowed on course.

5K / 10K

The 5K and 10K courses are for runners of all ages looking for a challenge.

The 5K is intended to be a walk or run. The 10K is intended to be a run only.

The course follows a series of single track trails and cart paths with a very brief road section.  Surfaces include grass, packed trail, gravel, cobbles and asphalt.  Elevation-wise the course is an even mixture of ascents, descents and flats.  The 10K course is simply a double run of the 5K course.  A map of the 5K course can be found below.

Prizes and medals

Prizes for race winners include gift certificates for Evan’s on Common and prize offerings from The Bull Run.

Age group winners receive HTR race medals.

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