The East Fork Backpack Trail Run is where the series all began. The 5.6 mile race will have handicap starts as in the past. This classic race will remain relatively unchanged from previous years. The aspect of this race is the handicapped start. All runners will receive a handicap based on Age, Sex, and previous performance in the series. The object is that everyone will have an equal chance at finishing first, and it will be a true chase to the finish. As the name states, the race will take place on the well established Backpack Trail, at East Fork Lake State Park. The 5.4 mile course is densely wooded, and might give runners the feeling that they are on the Appalachian Trail.