A new trail race is coming to Lake Thunderbird this fall. The inaugural Dirtie Birdie Trail Run takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, with four distances and relay options on the Clear Bay trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park.
Created by Norman Sports, Dirtie Birdie is designed to give experienced runners a new challenge while offering shorter options for those who are newer to trail running. Participants can choose from 3-, 6-, 9-, and 18-mile courses, with two-person relay options available for select distances.
A New Race on Newly Rebuilt Trails
Dirtie Birdie comes during a big year for the Clear Bay trails. More than 13 miles of trails were rebuilt and reopened this spring as part of a major update to the trail system at Lake Thunderbird State Park. The redesigned multi-use trails were built with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers in mind, with routes for a range of experience levels.
For Dirtie Birdie, those trails become the course. The range of race distances gives runners some flexibility in how they take part, from trying a shorter trail race to teaming up for a relay or taking on the full 18 miles.
The event is meant to be challenging, but it does not take itself too seriously. Race-day photography, event merchandise, awards, and more are planned alongside the races.
“We want Dirtie Birdie to feel fun from the moment you show up,” said Norman Sports Director of Events Phil O’Neill. “The race is obviously at the center of it, but we’re putting a lot of thought into everything surrounding it, too. Whether you’re racing 3 miles or taking on the 18, we want it to be the kind of day where you finish tired, probably a little dirty, and really glad you came.”
The inaugural Dirtie Birdie Trail Run takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Lake Thunderbird State Park. Registration is now open.
Visit DirtieBirdieRun.com for race details and registration.
Coming to Norman for Dirtie Birdie? Stick around after the race to refuel at a local restaurant, explore more of Lake Thunderbird, or spend the weekend discovering Norman. Find places to eat, things to do, and places to stay by clicking here.
