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Overview

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Birds of a Feather Trail Trot, a Thanksgiving Day trail run at Briar Chapel.  Sprawling over 900 acres and located on the south side of Chapel Hill, NC, Briar Chapel is a green community that boasts a vast 20+ mile network of forested hiking and mountain biking trails. 

Gather your flock and get your holiday started on the right foot.  Choose from a mellow 2 mile course which includes paved trail, grass, and smooth trail or a 5K rugged course that includes plenty of roots, rocks, and hills.  An untimed fun run or timed race option is available for both distances. 

After running, stick around for a slice of pie (yum!), the FREE kids race for treasure (kids 11-U), and an awards ceremony with fun contests and lots of giveaways.  Run with Your Flock and enjoy family, fitness, fun, and PIE!    

Course Maps and Description

2 Mile Course

The 2 mile course is perfect for the whole family.  Redesigned from the 2023 1.5 mile course, the 2 mile starts with .79 mile of paved road and trail, perfect for separating the field or runners.  Following the paved section, runners will complete .71 mile of grass and non-technical double and single-track trails (the vast majority of which is smooth, with very few roots and rocks).  The course ends with .54 mile of sidewalks and paved trail heading to the finish line.  The exact distance is 2.04 miles, with an elevation gain of 134’.  The 2 mile course may be run or walked as a timed race or an untimed fun run.  The timed race starts 5 minutes before the untimed fun run.  Birds of a Feather 2 Mile Technical Terrain Course Rating:  Overall 1+ out of 5 – (1.69M of EASIEST and .35M of EASY) (This is a non-technical fun and very fast course)

5K Course

The 5K offers a super-fun challenge for both newbies and trail veterans alike.  The 5K course starts with .43 mile of wide-open pavement, perfect for separating the field or runners.  Following the paved section, runners will complete 2.79 miles of undulating double-track dirt trails and flowy single-track with plenty of roots, rocks, and short hill climbs.  The course ends with a .26 mile paved trail heading to the finish line.  The exact distance is 3.38 miles (5.4K), with an elevation gain of 217’.  The 5K course may be run or walked as a timed race or an untimed fun run.  To limit bottlenecks and congestion on the single-track trails, the timed race is limited to 200 participants and will start 5 minutes before the untimed fun run.  Birds of a Feather 5K Technical Terrain Course Rating:  Overall 3 out of 5 – (.69M of EASIEST/EASY and 2.79M of MODERATE) (This is a fun and challenging course)

Course Maps (click on map titles for course details and elevation profiles)

Registration Fees

Register by 1/12/25 for the lowest fees. After 1/12, registration fees will increase if/when we reach 200, 300, and 400 runners. $5 increase on race day, if space is available. Max participation is 600. (SEE START LIST FOR CURRENTLY REGISTERED RUNNERS).

• 2 Mile Fun Run (untimed): $32 by 1/12, $36 to 200, $38 to 300, $40 to 400, $43 to 600
• 2 Mile Race (timed): $35 by 1/12, $38 to 200, $40 to 300, $43 to 400, $45 to 600
• 5K Fun Run (untimed): $35 by 1/12, $38 to 200, $40 to 300, $43 to 400, $45 to 600
• 5K Race (timed): $37 by 1/12, $40 to 200, $43 to 300, $45 to 400, $48 to 600
• Registration fees are $2-$11 lower for Youth 17-U and Seniors 65+
• FREE entry for Youth 4-U (in 2 Mile Fun Run ONLY) (no tee)

Race Highlights. Your Birds of a Feather Trail Trot Registration Fee Includes:

• Limited race entry to provide an intimate and friendly race experience and to prevent overcrowding on the trails.  Each timed race is limited to 200 total racers and the event max is 600 participants.
• Fun and challenging course design
• Professional race operations
• Superbly marked course – you won’t get lost
• Race tee that you’ll love and want to wear. It’s high-quality, super soft/comfy, and comes in men’s/unisex, women’s, and youth sizes (see link for color and sizing specs). Screen printed with vintage ink to give it an attractive, light, and subdued look. The 2025 tee color is navy frost for adult and youth sizes.  Pick up at check-in. 
• Exciting atmosphere with great music
• Excellent volunteer support
• Well-stocked aid stations (one on 5K and one on 2M + aid at finish)
• Medical support
• Chip timing for 2M and 5K timed races – accurate and timely posting of results.  
• Post-race PIE! 
• FREE Kids Race for Treasure (see below for details)
• Awards ceremony with fun contests and lots of giveaways (see below for details)
• FREE photo downloads post-race (professional photographers will be at the race)

Schedule of Events

STAGING AREA:  Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel (161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

WEDNESDAY, 11/26/25 (Early Check-In – OPTIONAL, but encouraged)

• 4pm-6pm:  Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up @ Great Meadow Park Pavilion

THANKSGIVING DAY, THURSDAY, 11/27/25 (Race Day)

• 7:15am-8:30am:  Check-in / Packet Pick-up (check-in only if you did not pick up your packet on Wed)
• 8:25am:  5K Race Brief at the start line
• 8:30am:  5K Start (timed race), then 5K Fun Run Brief at the start line
• 8:35am:  5K Start (untimed fun run)
• 8:40am:  2M Race Brief at the start line
• 8:45am:  2M Start (timed race), then 2M Fun Run Brief at the start line
• 8:50am:  2M Start (untimed fun run)
• 9am-10am:  PIE, music, awards
• 9:30am:  FREE Kids Race for Treasure’ (kids 11-U) – Round One
• 9:45am:  Awards (timed races) / Donation to PORCH Briar Chapel
• 10am:  Contests (Cornhole, Push-up, Costume) / Giveaways
• 10:15am:  FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (kids 11-U) – Round Two for any kids that missed the first one

Charity Partner

PORCH Briar Chapel helps put food on the table of those in need in our community.  Many donations go to the CORA FOOD PANTRY which provides emergency food to individuals and families in Chatham County.  They also provide children who attend the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsboro with fresh produce and a bag of nonperishables on a monthly basis.  During registration, please consider donating to support their great work.  Roadless Races will match 10% of funds collected. PORCH Briar Chapel will also be at Birds of a Feather collecting cash and canned/boxed food donations.  Thank you for the support.

Run with Your Flock (Family Info)

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends.  Run with Your Flock.  

Some helpful info for families:

• We are offering lower youth 5-17 and senior 65+ pricing to make it just a little easier to Run with Your Flock.   
• Kids 4-U may participate for FREE in the 2 mile fun run, under the supervision/consent of their parent/guardian (registration is required for parent and child).  All kids 4-U will receive a bib, but t-shirts are not included for the little ones. If you would like to purchase a tee for your 4-U child, extra t-shirts will be available for purchase during online registration.  
• For safety reasons, the minimum age for the 2M race is 5 years old and 6 years old for the 5K.  Racers must be at least 10 years old to run unaccompanied in the 2M or 5K.  Racers 8-9 MUST run WITH (alongside) a registered parent or guardian, unless approved by the race director (email info@roadlessraces.com to request approval).  Racers 7-U MUST run WITH (alongside) a registered parent or guardian.   
• We have added additional age group awards for the kids for both the 2M and 5K timed races.  Our normal 13-U age group has been broken up to 5-8 (2M) and 6-8 (5K), 9-10, and 11-13. 
• The FREE Kids Race for Treasure starts at 9:30am.  ALL KIDS 11-U (including those that completed the 2 mile or the 5K) are invited to participate.
• Strollers that are appropriate for the trail ARE PERMITTED on the 2 mile fun run. (such as a BOB stroller, for instance).  If using a stroller, PLEASE START AT THE BACK, behind the runners and walkers.
• Strollers ARE NOT PERMITTED on the 5K course because there are some root and rock filled sections on the 5K that will be frustrating (and potentially dangerous) to navigate.  Strollers are NOT PERMITTED in the 2 mile timed race.
• For the safety of all participants, pets are NOT PERMITTED on either course.
• PLEASE, DO NOT give your bib to someone else.  This will make the results, age group, and overall awards incorrect.  If you need to transfer your registration, you may do so prior to race day (by 11/25/25) by going to your runsignup account, selecting ‘Transfer to Someone Else’ in the menu, and following the instructions.

FREE Kids Race for Treasure

At 9:30am and 10:15am, kids 11-under are invited to participate in the FREE Kids Race for Treasure. All kids are welcome to participate and parents are encouraged to line the race course to cheer them on. Registration is not required for the kids race. We will match kids in age groups (3-U, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and start each group separately on a short out and back ‘race course’ in the large field near the staging area. After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest! 

Awards, Contests, and Giveaways

• Awards (1st-5th place tumblers) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) for top five overall M/F 2M and 5K timed race competitors. Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) for the top three M/F 2M and 5K timed race competitors in each age group.
• 2M and 5K timed race age groups: 5-8 (2M), 6-8 (5K), 9-10, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
• Runners and volunteers are invited to join the contests – fun stuff such as cornhole, push-ups, rock/paper/scissors, etc, etc.  Contest winners receive NICE swag like Goodr sunglasses or race merchandise and ALL who participate receive an item of swag.  After the contests, we randomly select winners of the rest of the swag – more great stuff such as Goodr sunglasses, gift certificates, running gear, and Roadless Races merchandise. 
• Anyone that wears a costume will receive an item of swag at the awards ceremony.

Create a Team – Fun with Family and Friends

Adventures are more fun with family and friends, so create a team and invite your crew to join you. Creating or joining a team is simple during or after registration. NOTE: This is not a relay so all team members will still be running their own race.

Parking and Staging @ Briar Chapel

Staging area at Briar Chapel’s Great Meadow Park in Chapel Hill, NC. Address: 161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

In addition to fantastic trails at Briar Chapel, centrally located Great Meadow Park, with its beautiful lawn, stage, and pavilion, offers the perfect location to stage this event. Park on the neighborhood streets adjacent to Great Meadow Park (161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). Overflow parking will be available at Woods Charter school about .3 miles from the staging area (160 Woodland Grove Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

Race Results Photos

Venue

Rules and Policies

Rules:

• In-ear earbuds and external speakers are not permitted in the Birds of a Feather Trail Trot.  Bone conduction headsets are OK.
• Respect the environment.  No littering.
• Excellent sportsmanship is an expectation at our events. Respect other racers, volunteers, and race staff.  
• Follow the marked course and stay on designated trails. No shortcutting. 
• Please inform our timer if you drop out of the race.
• Bib numbers must be visible from the front at all times.
• PLEASE, DO NOT give your bib to someone else. This will make the results, age group, and overall awards incorrect. If you need to transfer your registration, you may do so prior to race day (by 11/26/24) by going to your runsignup account, selecting ‘Transfer to Someone Else’ in the menu, and then following the instructions.
• Run at your pace.  There are no cut-off times.

Policies:

• Refunds: Receive a refund (minus $10 and the runsignup processing fee) if you cancel 14+ days before the race. No refunds within 14 days. To cancel, email request to info@roadlessraces.com
• Credits: Receive a coupon code for future Roadless Races if you cancel. Cancel 14+ days before the race for a 100% credit of your registration fee. Cancel 4-13 days before the race for a 50% credit of your registration fee. To cancel, email request to info@roadlessraces.com.
• Transfer Your Entry to Someone Else: Transfers must be initiated online at least 3 days prior to the race. No race day transfers. We do not allow transfers to another race. To transfer to another racer, go to you profile on runsignup, and follow directions to ‘Transfer to Someone Else’.
• Change Distance: Distance changes must be initiated online at least 3 days prior to the race. No race day distance changes. To change distances, go to your profile on runsignup, and follow directions to ‘Transfer Event’.

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