The Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS) is excited to announce new distances and a whole new course for the 2023 BURCS Free to Run Trail Races. We continue to support Free to Run, Inc., whose mission is to enable women and girls to safely and boldly engage in outdoor activity in conflict-affected regions. Through a combination of sports programs, life skills development, and community outreach, we help females to reclaim public space and change views about the roles they can (and should) play in a society. Their programs are designed to develop community leaders who can bring people together across cultural, ethnic and religious lines. They work to provide our participants with the tools to succeed because they can and will be a force for positive change.

This is designed to be BURCS most challenging, technically demanding race. The course features long climbs, fast descents, and beautiful scenery. We are excited to show off even more of the wonderful Pittsfield State Forest to our running community. The race course is now a bit longer than in previous years, allowing ultrarunners to complete either a 50k or a 50-miler. The new race course is a double-loop, combining for approximately 15.5 miles and 3000 feet of vertical gain. The "Pine Mountain Loop" is about 9 miles long, consisting of climbs to Pine Mountain, Tower Mountain, and Berry Hill. This loop features several breathtaking vistas, a fun section along the Taconic Crest Trail, and a fast, winding descent back to the start/finish line. The "Honwee Loop" is approximately 6.5 miles long, climbing the gorgeous Lulu Brook trail back to the Taconic Crest Trail. This loop features a fast descent along Daniels Brook and along smooth double-track back to the start-finish line.

Results