Free to Run Trail Races

Description:

A challenging but rewarding 12.5-mile loop located entirely within Pittsfield State Forest in Pittsfield, MA. The loop consists mostly of singletrack hiking and mountain-bike trails, with a few dirt road sections, a small paved portion at the start, and a short paved stretch near the top of the ridge. There is approximately 2,000-2,500 ft. of elevation gain per loop (with actual figures depending on whose GPS watch you want to trust; ours rarely match exactly!), and some of the climbs are definitely steep. Some sections are considered fairly technical by most standards, but the majority is “runnable” and/or power-hikeable and you shouldn’t need to use your hands anywhere. Included in the loop is a wide-open vista at which you will definitely be tempted to stop and take in the magnificent view of the Taconics. 50-mile runners complete four full loops. Marathon runners do two loops with an additional (~1 mile) paved road out-and-back at the beginning of the race. Half-marathoners complete one lap with an out-and-back at the beginning as well.