Black Squirrel Half
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Event Overview
The Black Squirrel Trail Half Marathon takes place on September 12, 2026 in Lory State Park, northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. The start and finish are at the Soldier Canyon Picnic Area.
Course Details
The race is a 13.5 mile trail run with approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. The course offers a perimeter tour of Lory State Park, with views east toward Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, and the Great Plains, and west toward Rocky Mountain peaks. The terrain includes 12 miles of dirt singletrack and 1 mile of dirt road. The route features a mix of technical and non-technical hard-pack trails, with a climb to the west ridge followed by a descent and rolling singletrack to the finish.
Elevation ranges from a minimum of 5,400 feet to a maximum of 7,000 feet, with an average of 6,100 feet.
Additional Races
A free one mile kids race is also held, starting at 10:30 AM on gently rolling singletrack.
Registration & Logistics
Registration is capped at 400 participants. The time allowance to complete the course is 5.5 hours. There are aid stations on course stocked with water and sports drink, and one station also provides snacks. Post-race activities include a pancake breakfast with awards and sponsor giveaways at the finish area.
Parking is available at the Soldier Canyon Picnic Area starting at 5:30 AM, with carpool priority. Other vehicles may be directed to nearby lots, and a walk of up to a mile to the start may be required for late arrivals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
