Collegiate Trail Running Nationals Return to Fairfax County for Sixth Championship at Fountainhead Park

EX2 Adventures Fairfax County event spotlights the continued growth of collegiate trail running beyond NCAA competition

Fairfax County, VA — May 1, 2026 — The Collegiate Running Association (CRA), in collaboration with EX2 Adventures, will host the 2026 Collegiate Trail Running National Championship this Sunday, May 3, at Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. The championship will be held in conjunction with the annual Fountainhead 10K Trail Race.

Now in its 13th year, the Collegiate Running Association continues to expand opportunities for student-athletes through its Trail Running National Championship, now in its sixth edition. The event offers a unique platform for collegiate runners to compete at a national level in trail running—an emerging discipline not currently governed by the NCAA. Participation is open to runners of all backgrounds, including varsity athletes, graduate students, and recreational competitors representing colleges and universities across the country.

Collegiate participants will race alongside the general field in the 10K+ event, with results for student-athletes scored separately. The top five collegiate finishers will earn All-America honors from the CRA, while $3,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the collegiate division. Additionally, in partnership with Brooks Running the college champions will win a pair of their trail running shoes.

The men’s race is expected to feature a strong showing from returning champion Carter Bruns, along with fellow University of Richmond runners Zachary Stevens, Patrick Doherty, and Bennett Wright. James Johnson of George Washington University is also anticipated to be a top contender.

In the women’s competition, the University of Richmond will field a competitive group led by 2025 runner-up Paige Joyce. She will be joined by teammates Mollie Fenn, Addie Cohen, and Lydia Shields.

“We’re excited to continue building on the success of previous championships in partnership with EX2 Adventures,” said Steve Taylor, Co-Founder of the Collegiate Running Association. “Fountainhead Regional Park provides an outstanding setting for this event, offering accessibility and a challenging course that highlights the appeal of trail running for collegiate athletes nationwide.”

In addition to the 10K championship race, the event will also include a half marathon open to the public. However, only the 10K distance will serve as the official collegiate championship race.

The course showcases the natural terrain of Fountainhead Regional Park, located approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C. Runners will traverse sections of the Bull Run–Occoquan Trail, along with demanding climbs on adjacent trails that test endurance and reward competitors with scenic views.

For additional details, visit the official websites of the Collegiate Running Association and EX2 Adventures.