Free to Run Trail Races - Pittsfield, MA
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Free to Run Trail Races : Pittsfield, MA, September 12, 2026
The Free to Run Trail Races are presented by the Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS) and support Free to Run, Inc., an organization that enables women and girls to safely engage in outdoor activity in conflict-affected regions through sports programs, life skills development, and community outreach. The event is set at Pittsfield State Forest in Pittsfield, MA.
Distances:
- 50k
- 25k
- 15k
- 5 mile
The organizer describes the course as BURCS' "hard" race. The route is laid out as a double-loop figure 8 that combines for approximately 15.5 miles and about 3000 feet of vertical gain. The "Big Loop" is roughly 10.5 miles and includes climbs to Pine Mountain, Tower Mountain, and Berry Hill, parts of the Taconic Crest Trail, and a fast descent back to the start area. The "Little Loop" is about 5.5 miles, begins with an ascent on Lulu Brook trail, and returns by a fast, winding descent.
Distance formats: 50k runners complete both the Big and Little loops twice; 25k runners complete each loop once; 15k runners complete the Big Loop once; 5 mile runners complete the Little Loop once.
There will be three aid stations on course. Runners are expected to carry water and calories between stations. The 50k must be completed within twelve hours for an official finish, and the final small loop must be started within a ten-hour cutoff. Each finisher receives a finishers award. Registered runners before September 1 will receive a shirt; later registrations receive shirts on a best-efforts basis. A NOSHIRT code reduces the fee by $20.
The venue has multiple campsites with showers and bathrooms; participants are responsible for booking their own sites. The organizers reserve the right to convert the event to a virtual format if permits cannot be secured or officials prohibit an in-person race. Because profits are donated to charities, refunds and deferrals are not offered except for pregnancy deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
