HIKE-a-THON 2026

Description

Woodlands Conservancy's 2026 Hike-A-Thon is an effort to raise funds and awareness for local land conservation. This is your chance to get outside in nature alone or with your like-minded friends to give back to your community by walking, hiking and/or running a marathon, 26.2 miles at your own pace. You can hike the Bottomland Trail (5.43 mi.) at Woodlands Preserve less than 5 times and complete your challenge or choose a variety of places you like to visit. You can do a mile at a time or all at one time - set your own pace. Hikers, walkers and runners will have from October 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026 to complete the challenge. Registration is open until 6 a.m. October 26, 2026.

What do you get for registering?

Your registration fee will fund land protection and restoration.

All registrants will receive an Individual Woodlands Conservancy Annual Membership.

All registrants who complete the Marathon , will receive the above plus a Woodlands Conservancy Nature Guide.

The top 5 highest milers will receive the above plus a Woodlands Conservancy back-pack.

The top highest miler will receive the above plus a set of Mignon Faget Palmetto glassware and a Travel Hammock!

Pick-up of prizes will be held 9 a.m. - Noon on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Woodlands Conservancy's office, 1500 Woodland Hwy., Belle Chasse, LA 70037.

*SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS WILL BE INCURRED FOR PRIZES OR PURCHASES SHIPPED.

***The first 30 people to register receive a chance to win a set of 4 Palmetto Glasses!***

How do I log my miles?

You can begin logging your daily miles and activity (hike, walk, run) at 6 a.m. on October 1, 2026 when the RunSignup software will be ready to track your progress. To enter your mileage data,:

Go to the Hike-a-Thon Website Click on Results Click on Virtual Results Enter your name/email to find your record Enter your data

......and then hike on my friend.

Speaking of friends, please share the Hike-a-Thon with your family and friends. If you refer the race to 5 of your friends who then sign up, you will receive a $20 refund.

Who does this event benefit?

Proceeds from the 2026 Hike-a-Thon will benefit the Woodlands Conservancy land trust that was organized in 2001 to preserve and restore vital parcels of forested wetlands and other lands of ecological or historical significance. Louisiana has lost 80% of its forested wetlands that protect our community during storm events and provide habitat for wildlife and thousands of migratory birds. When you participate in Woodlands Conservancy's Hike-A-Thon you are helping to ensure our forested wetlands will be here for the enjoyment of future generations.

SUPPORT OUR TRAILS - BECOME A TRAILRAISER

For 25 years, individuals from across the nation have helped fundraise for Woodlands Conservancy by asking their family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to donate in their name. Become a TrailRaiser today and help Woodlands Conservancy get across the finish line and reach our fundraising goal of $10,000!

By becoming a TrailRaiser and getting friends and family to donate in your name, you will make a genuine difference in this community and involve more of the community at the same time.

We have had such wonderful TrailRaisers in the past! And every single person, child, horse or pup has their own reasons to support Woodlands Conservancy—whether they use the trails to get or stay in shape, walk the trails for sunshine and fresh air, enjoy learning about the efforts to protect native wildlife, or just love the opportunity to do some real work on our service days. What’s your reason?

Tell your friends and family why local community and conservation are important for you and how they can support it too. Organize a TEAM and TrailRaise together, or sprint ahead on your own. Either way, we have some perks for those who are willing to put in a little extra mileage on Woodlands Conservancy’s behalf:

Top TrailRaiser – Receive a Save Our Sponge t-shirt and a set o