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.
Event Schedule:
5:30-6:45am - Race Day Packet Pickup
7:00am - Race Start
8:30am - First Finishers Expected
9:00am - Post-Race Pancake Breakfast & Party Begins
9:30am - Overall Awards. Age Group Awards Offered on a Rolling Basis
10:30 - Kids Race
12:30pm - Race Cut-Off
Awards
All Half Marathon runners who finish within the official course cut-off will receive a unique finisher’s award. The post-race awards will be held at the Soldier Canyon picnic area in Lory State Park.
We acknowledge and respect those who experience their gender identity in ways outside of the traditional male/female dichotomy, and are trying our best to provide non-binary opportunities in both the registration and results to reflect that. Currently, we are offering non-binary recognition for the top 3 overall in that category, and will expand to age groups as participation levels grow.
Overall & Age Group Prize Structure
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall awards for the top male and female finishers.
Age group awards for the top 3 male and female in each of the following age groups (overall winners not eligible):
Under 40
40 – 49
50 – 59
60 and Over
As well as 1st-3rd Overall for the non-binary category.
The Half Marathon awards will be held at 11:00am.
