GENERAL INFORMATION

AbouT

Hell on Hogsback: Endurance Challenge in Cleveland, Ohio is a physical and mental test for those looking to give back in a BIG way on one of the steepest hills the area has to offer. The race is located in the Rocky River Reservation at the top of Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial Hill. The objective is simple: how many times can you complete the looped hill course within your chosen time? Will you #endureforcancer?

Update for 2026: The overall winner of the 12-Hour Endurance Challenge will win a SISU Eddy Barrel Sauna!

Course

Hell on Hogsback is a 1.1 mile looped (or what some might say...down & up) course with 140ft elevation gain & loss at an average 12% grade per loop. Starting at the top of Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial Hill, runners will head down to the bottom of the hill, take a sharp right, and continue their way down to the bottom of Hogsback Lane. At the bottom of Hogsback, runners will loop around a cone and reverse their footsteps back up Hogsback & to the top of Stinchcomb. Runners will complete their lap by completing a loop through the parking lot, upper single trail hill, and back to the parking lot where aid stations, tents, and vendors will be stationed. 

Our Mission & Impact for 2026

Our internal ethos is #EndureForCancer. Through this ethos, it is our mission to raise $34,000 across 400+ registrants to positively impact 3 cancer patients who are unable to fund their surgical or medical procedure(s). After the race, the race committee will select candidates & hand-deliver checks consisting of race proceeds to the patients in need.

Donations

Those looking to give back or do not wish to participate in the event physically but want to give may do so through the Donation page.

The Nelson Family Foundation (DBA Hell on Hogsback) is a registered 501(c)(3) Ohio nonprofit organization (EIN: 33-3069644.). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All donations are non-refundable.

Registration

All registrations are individual challenges and DONATION-based. Each registration requires a minimum donation depending on the event: 

  • Kids Fun Run Challenge – 4:00pm Start ($20) *New for 2026

  • Morning 1-Hour Endurance Challenge – 7:00am Start ($40)

  • Evening 1-Hour Endurance Challenge – 5:00pm Start ($40) *New for 2026

  • 3-Hour Endurance Challenge ($90)

  • 6-Hour Endurance Challenge ($120)

  • 12-Hour Endurance Challenge ($170)

What's Included in Your Registration

  • Individual race registration for your chosen time allotment

  • Chip timing

  • Commemorative race t-shirt*

  • On-site medical

  • Access to BPN race supplements on course

  • Access to SISU Saunas & cold plunges

  • More to come!

*Race t-shirt design will be revealed at a later date.

2026 Participant Guide

Read through the 2026 Hell on Hogsback Participant Guide to learn more about the race, review detailed information, and more. Guide will be provided at a later date.

Bib Pick-Up

Skip the Race-Day Rush & Join Us Friday, August 28!
We highly recommend all participants stop by Friday’s Bib Pick-Up to make race day smooth and stress-free. You'll have an opportunity to stop by to pick-up your bib, pick-up your race t-shirt, check out our race partner offerings, and more!

  • Date: Friday, August 28, 2026

  • Time: TBD

  • Location: TBD

We will also offer bib pick-up the morning of the race on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 5:45am - 6:45am at Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial Hill (race location). You'll have an opportunity to stop by to pick-up your bib, pick-up your race t-shirt, check out our race partner offerings, and more! Due to race timing restrictions, we will cut-off check-in at 6:50am for a strict 7:00am race start.

Parking & Transportation

Parking and transportation options will be posted here closer to event date.

Hell on Hogsback Beneficiary Program

Beneficiary Program applications are now available for submission.

Hogsback Run Clubs

We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 dates for Hogsback Run Club. Join us the following dates to prep for Hell on Hogsback, enjoy a guided run, workout, stretching, and community. All run clubs will be held at the race site, Stinchcomb-Groth Memorial Hill, and parking is available in the parking lot.

  • Saturday, April 18, 6:00am - 7:00am

  • Saturday, May 9, 8:00am - 9:30am

  • Saturday, June 20, 8:00am - 9:30am

  • Saturday, July 18, 8:00am - 9:30am

  • Saturday, August 15, 8:00am - 9:30am

Race Policies

  • REFUNDS: 50% refund will be granted before the 30-day period prior to the event. No refunds will be given if within the 30-day period prior to the event.

  • DEFERRALS: No deferrals for Hell on Hogsback.

  • BIB TRANSFERS: No bib transfers for registrants.

  • CHANGING DISTANCE: 12-Hour participants may drop to the 6, 3, or 1-hour race options at any point. They are not eligible for overall awards.