If you clicked through from our ad, you already know that at On Trail, we are officially retiring the word "resolution." We’ve found that resolutions are often heavy. They carry the weight of obligation, feeling like chores or items on a checklist that we should do to satisfy a metric on a calendar or a scale.

Instead, we are focused on Defining Your Adventure. An adventure isn't a task to be completed; it’s a trail story you haven’t told yet. It’s an invitation to step out of the "shoulds" and into the "wants."

There is a fundamental difference between having to run three miles on a Tuesday morning and wanting to see the sunrise from the peak of a mountain. One is a box to check; the other is a memory that defines who you are. When you shift your mindset from "exercise" to "adventure," the sweat and the tired legs suddenly have gravity. They aren't just work anymore—they are the character development you need for the quest ahead.

Write Your First Page

Whether you are looking for your first local trail 5K or you’re ready to chase a finish line in a state you’ve never visited, your 2026 story starts the moment you hit the "Register" button. That is the "venture" in your adventure. It turns your daily runs into preparation and your gear into the tools of the trade.

Below, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you find your "yes" for 2026. We’ve curated the best platforms, the hidden-gem communities, and the technical tips you need to choose your next trail with confidence.

Gear for Every Mile