Black Squirrel Half
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Black Squirrel Half : Lory State Park, September 2027
The Black Squirrel Trail Half Marathon is a trail race on the perimeter trails of Lory State Park northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. The course offers views to the east of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins and the Great Plains, and to the west of the Rocky Mountain peaks.
The main event covers 13.5 miles with roughly 2,000 feet of total ascent and descent. Terrain is mostly hard-pack singletrack with a short section of dirt road. Runners climb about 1,500 feet between mile 2 and mile 6 to reach the west ridge, then descend over the next 2.5 miles before returning on gently rolling singletrack for the final miles. Reported elevations range from 5,400 to 7,000 feet, with an average near 6,100 feet.
Distances:
- 13.5 miles with about 2,000 ft of vertical gain and descent
- 1 mile kids race on gently rolling singletrack
Aid stations are fully stocked with water and sports drink; one station at mile 8.5 offers additional snacks such as fruit and chips. There are toilets at the start/finish, Arthur’s Trailhead and Timber Trailhead. The field is capped at 400 entrants and the event allows 5.5 hours to complete the course. Crewing and pacing are permitted only at designated aid stations. Poles and other mechanical aids are not allowed unless approved by race staff. Post-race offerings include a pancake breakfast, awards, a pint glass finisher award and a gender specific race T-shirt. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
