Runners are invited to enjoy the beautiful trails of historic Backbone State Park this Saturday morning.

It’s the annual Backbone Trail Run, hosted by the Friends of Backbone. Member Roger Helmrichs says the group started back in 1998.

The Friends created the Backbone Trail Run a few years ago.

Helmrichs suggests wearing good shoes – it is a trail run after all.

Whether you do the short route or the long run, it’s the same cost of $25. Saturday’s run is a fundraiser for the Friends of Backbone, with the proceeds going to help replace some of the state park’s playground equipment.

And you don’t necessarily have to run in the Backbone Trail Run to enjoy it. Helmrichs says they welcome anyone to just come up and watch.

Saturday’s Backbone Trail Run will start at 9 am at the Beach Lodge, with both routes wrapping up there as well. Registration can be done the day of the race – or you can sign up ahead of time online at backbonetrailrun.weebly.com.

photo courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH