Black Squirrel Half Marathon

About the Event

Taking place on the trails of Lory State Park to the northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, the Black Squirrel Trail Half Marathon offers a perimeter tour of the park, providing breathtaking views to the east of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins and the Great Plains; and to the west of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain peaks.

The race covers a variety of terrain, with a mix of technical and non-technical hard-pack trails. After a mile of dirt roads, the trail ascends a little under 4 miles and 1,500 feet to the apex of the course on Lory’s west ridge. The views are well worth the climb. A rapid and – at times – technical descent follows, leaving three and a half miles of gently rolling and smooth singletrack into the finish.

After the race, kick back and enjoy a hearty breakfast, awards and generous sponsor giveaways at the Soldier Canyon Picnic Area. Our aim is to offer a trail running experience that is challenging, yet accessible to all.

Start: Lory State Park, Bellvue, Colorado

Distance: 13.3 miles with ~2,000′ of vertical gain/descent.

Kids: 1 mile on gently rolling singletrack.

Min/Max Elevation: 5,400’/7,000′

Average Elevation: 6,100′

Terrain: 12 miles dirt singletrack, 1 mile dirt road

Fauna: Black abert squirrels, black bears, other more colorful animals

Registration Cap: 350

Time Allowance: 5.5 hours

Date: September 7, 2024

Race Fee: June 1 – Sep 7: $120.37 ($110 registration + $10.37 taxes & fees)

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