Black Squirrel Half Marathon
The Black Squirrel Half Marathon will take place on the wonderful trails of Lory State Park to the northeast of Fort Collins, Colorado. The half marathon course offers a tour of the outer boundaries of Lory State Park, providing breathtaking views to the south and east of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins and the Great Plains; and to the West of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain swell. The race covers a variety of terrain, all of which is runnable although technical in places. After a mile of dirt roads, the course ascends a little under four miles and 1,500 feet to the apex at 7,000 feet on Lory’s west ridge. The views are well worth the climb. A bomber descent follows, leaving three and a half miles of beautiful, gently rolling hardpacked singletrack into the finish. Our aim is to offer a trail running experience that is challenging, yet accessible to all.
Race Details:
- Start: Lory State Park, Bellvue, Colorado
- Distance: 13.5 miles with ~2,000' of vertical gain/descent.
- Kids Race: 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: 400
- Time Allowance: 5.5 hours
Registration Fees:
Dec 15 – February 28: $90 + $6.40 fee
March 1 – May 31: $100 + $7.00 fee
June 1 – Sep 4: $110 + $7.40 fee
Race Day/Packet Pickup: $125
What You Get:
- A beautiful, challenging and well-marked course on some of the best trails in Fort Collins
- Enthusiastic, knowledgeable race and aid station volunteers
- Fully stocked aid stations
- Free entry to Lory State Park for the day
- Generous 5.5 hour cut-off time
- Gender specific race T-shirt
- Pint glass finisher award and overall and age group awards
- Post-race pancake breakfast (Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and non-alcoholic options available)
- Professional medical coverage
Waiting List & Transfer Policy:
In the event that the race sells out, a waiting list will be maintained. Transfer credit options are available until September 3rd, with varying percentages of credit based on the cancellation date. To process a credit deferral, log in to your RunSignup account.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable, except via the wait list. In case of cancellation due to unforeseen events like extreme weather or fire, no refunds or credits will be offered.
Course & Aid Stations:
The half marathon is 13.5 miles with ~2,000' of vertical gain/descent. Aid stations will be stocked with water and Gnarly Nutrition Fuel2O sports drink. The Arthur's West Aid Station at mile 8.5 will have additional snacks. Runners have a total of 5.5 hours to complete the course; there are no strict intermediate cut-offs.
Drop Bags:
Finish line drop bags can be left at the start/finish area. Please label clearly and keep to a reasonable size. Volunteers are not responsible for valuable items left in drop bags.
Course Marking:
The course will be well marked with pink flagging, pin flags, flour ground markings, and directional arrows.
Toilets:
Facilities available at the start/finish and at the Arthur's Trailhead (mile 8.5 and 11.0), and Timber Trailhead.
Crewing & Spectating:
Best viewing points are at the start/finish line and Arthur's Trailhead. Crewing and pacing are not allowed outside of designated aid stations.
Kids Race:
A free one-mile kids race will begin at 10:30 a.m. from the race start. Parents are welcome to accompany children.
Training:
Information on training runs and a basic 9-week training plan is available.
Detailed Course Directions:
The course starts and finishes at the Soldier Canyon Picnic Area, following trails through Lory State Park, including Lodgepole Drive Spur Road, Timber Trail, Westridge Trail, Howard Trail, Arthur's Rock Link Trail, and Arthur's Rock Trail. The route involves significant climbs and descents before returning to the finish.
Rules:
- Race limited to 5.5 hours, ending at 12:30 p.m.
- Bib number must be visible from the front.
- Check out with an aid station or volunteer if dropping out.
- Purposeful littering is prohibited.
- Stay on the trail; no bushwhacking or short cutting.
- Yield to pedestrians and horses. Mountain bikers yield to runners.
- Pacers are not allowed.
- Crewing is allowed at designated aid stations only.
- No mechanical aid unless approved prior to race.
- All runners must carry a minimum 16oz water bottle or bladder. No water cups at aid stations.
- Dogs are not allowed on the course with runners.
Schedule:
- Friday 9/11: 4:00-7:00 p.m.: Optional packet pick-up at Altitude Running
- Saturday 9/12:
- 5:30-6:45 a.m.: Race Day Packet Pickup
- 7:00 a.m.: Race Start
- 8:30 a.m.: First Finishers Expected
- 9:00 a.m.: Post-Race Pancake Breakfast & Party Begins
- 9:30 a.m.: Overall Awards. Age Group Awards Offered on a Rolling Basis
- 10:30 a.m.: Kids Race
- 12:30 p.m.: Race Cut-Off
Parking & Directions:
Parking available at Soldier Canyon Picnic Area. Priority for carpools. Other vehicles directed to Timber Trailhead lot or along Lodgepole Drive. State park passes are required; passes will be provided for runners without them. Crews/spectators need a Colorado State Parks Annual Pass or purchase a park entry pass ($9).