Two New & Exciting Races

One on each mountain range of Cumberland County, PA both races will feature some of the area's most beautiful and challenging trails!

We Know Trail Runners

At Meatball Runners, we want trail running to be as accessible and stress-free as possible. We know life doesn't always go according to plan. If an unexpected situation arises—such as an injury, family emergency, or pregnancy—please reach out to us. We’re happy to discuss options, whether that’s a full or partial refund or a deferral to next year’s event.

Awesome Trail Community

We believe the trails should be for everyone. If the registration fee is a genuine financial barrier that would prevent you from joining us for a day in the woods, please contact us. We trust this community and are happy to work with you to make sure you can get to the starting line.

Meet the Race Directors

Jen Henry

Jen Henry is an accomplished trail runner and race director. She’s directed multiple races including Buck Ridge Burn (15 years strong), Iron Master and all the Meatball events. If you see her around give her a hug.

Scott Lesh

Scott is an avid trail runner with multiple 100k and 100 mile finisher’s buckles. You’re likely to see him around at the Cumberland Valley AT trails cruising up and down Center Point Knob

Travis Soprano

Travis Soprano grew up in the Central PA area. He still lives in the area with his wife and two kids.

The Meatball Way: Born in the Backyard

The Meatball Runners didn’t start in a boardroom or at an race starting line. It was born in the middle of a global shutdown, in a backyard in the Cumberland Valley, fueled by a 100-mile dream.

In 2020, when the world stopped and racing calendars went blank, the three “OG” Meatball Runners—Barry Main, Brett Wiley, and Nate Beissel—decided to put on their own race. They staged a homemade 100-mile ultramarathon for Brett, consisting of relentless loops around his yard with Barry, Nate, and Brett’s family serving as the ultimate crew.

By the time the exhaustion set in and the miles began to blur, Brett found himself chowing down on the only fuel that made sense: his wife’s homemade meatballs. In a moment of pure, running-induced clarity, Brett uttered the words that would define our local group:

“Meatballs are the best fuel for running.”

With that simple truth, the Meatball Runners were born.

Beyond the Miles

Since that first backyard loop, we’ve completed countless ultras, but we never forgot why we started. The “Meatball Way” isn’t about podiums or PRs—it’s about friendship, radical inclusion, and stripping away the barriers to trail running.

To be a Meatballer, you don’t need a race or run a sub-elite pace. You just need a sense of adventure, a hunger for community, and maybe a sense of humor. We believe that running is for everyone, and that the best miles are the ones shared with friends.

From those first few loops in 2020 to the races we host today, our mission remains the same: No barriers. Just meatballs. All community.

We invite you to join the pack and share the trail with us. Because out here, everyone has a seat at the table.