Free to Run Trail Races

We continue to support Free to Run, Inc., an organization whose 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, they help women to reclaim public spaces and work to change views about the roles that women 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.

Course: This is BURCS' "hard" race! The course features long climbs, fast descents, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the county. As always, we are stoked to share the wonderful Pittsfield State Forest with our running community.

Race options include a 50k ultramarathon, a 25k, and a 15k.

The race course is designed as a double-loop/figure 8, combining for approximately 15.5 miles and 3000 feet of vertical gain. The "Big Loop" is about 9 miles long, and consists 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 "Little 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.

15k runners will complete the "Big Loop." 25k runners will complete both the "Big" and the "Little" loops one time, and 50k runners will complete both loops twice.

Cutoffs: 50k must be completed within twelve hours (by 8:00 PM) for an official finish. One hard cutoff, the last "small loop" must be started by 5:00 PM (nine hours). 

Aid Stations: Two major aid stations. including at the start/finish line, and two water drops along the course. This is designed to be a challenging race and the expectation is that runners will carry water and some calories with them on the course.