All information relevant to the 7th running of the Black Squirrel Trail Half Marathon is available on the race website. Here are a few final details and reminders.
Registration is still open! As of right now, a dozen spots are available. If those are not claimed by the close of online registration tonight, we will offer late registration at Packet Pickup.
The current weather forecast is showing a race-day high in the low 80s, with race-start temps in the low 60s, rising to low 70s by 9:00a and mid 70s by 10:00a, with partly cloudy skies. It will be on the warm side, so please make sure you have adequate carrying capacity for your hydration needs between aid stations. Water cups will not be provided at the aid stations.
The three race aid stations will be stocked with water and V-Fuel sports drink. The Arthur’s aid station – visited twice – will also carry snacks and fruit.
Packet pickup will be available on Friday afternoon from 4pm to 7pm at Altitude Running located at 150 E Harmony Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80525 (northeast corner of College and Harmony). We will be distributing bib numbers, timing chips, race T-shirts, Justin Liddle DMD toothbrushes & toothpaste, and coupons from Great Harvest Bread Co.
You can pick up your friends’ shirt and bib IF you show a copy of their registration confirmation (on phone or printout)
We will also have additional Gnar Runners and Black Squirrel merchandise for sale (or distribution if you pre-ordered). Salomon Running will also be in store demoing their latest shoe line-up.
Packet pickup will also be available on race morning from 5:30am to 6:45am.
During in-store packet pickup, Altitude Running will be offering 10% off in-store purchases and 15% off Salomon purchases, or spend over $200 and get 20% off.
The race will start promptly at 7:00am. There will be a short pre-race briefing at 6:50am. Late arrivals will need to walk up to a mile to the start from the overflow parking at the Eltuck Picnic area, so we recommend getting to Lory State Park no later than 6:00am if you need to check in on race morning.
Parking at the Soldier Canyon start/finish area (limited to 50-60 cars) is reserved for carpools of two or more race entrants. All other cars will be directed to park on the Lodgepole loop road or at the Timber trailhead lot. If you can, please arrange a carpool with friends – or try the Fort Collins Trail Runner Facebook page. Parking passes will be handed out at the park entrance when you arrive. Please place on your dash so they are visible to park staff.
Bibs must be visible from the front. Please do not remove ativan 2mg buy online your pull tag until you finish. Bib numbers can be found here.
Everyone will receive 2 Timing Chips, which need to be attached to each of your shoes. Do not bend, fold or tuck the chips under your laces, and please return your timing chips at the finish line.
Dogs are welcome on leash with family and friends at the start/finish area, but we ask that you not run with your dog during the race.
Please pocket any trash and dispose of it at aid stations or at the start/finish.
Trails are open to the public. Watch for bikers and yield to horses and hikers.
We will have a free 1 mile kids race/run beginning at 10:30 from the start/finish area.
After your finish, stick around for our post race party and Great Harvest pancakes plus sausage and bacon. In addition to fruit, soft drinks and other trimmings, we’ll have cookies from Mary’s Mountain Cookies and brews from New Belgium Brewing. Please be prepared to show ID if planning to enjoy a post-race beer.
Additional post-race food and beer for family and friends can be purchased for a $10 cash donation, if not already purchased with registration.
All finishers will receive a commemorative pint glass. And we’ll be giving out unique overall and age group awards to the top three finishers (male and female) in the following categories: Overall, Under 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. We’ll also have sponsor gear and goodies to raffle off during and after the awards.
Salomon Running will be demoing shoes for runners to try out after the race, and we’ll be giving away Salomon packs to our top male and female finishers.
Massage and PT work will be available after the race courtesy of Colorado in Motion and Diane Bergstedt. If you’re having foot issues, be sure to see Ultrapodiatrist Dr. Mike at the finish. UCHealth will also be on hand at the finish to take care of bumps, bruises or any other health concerns.
Thank you to our very generous top sponsors: Salomon Running, Colorado in Motion, Justin Liddle DMD, Altitude Running, Countryside Animal Hospital, and the Fort Collins Running Club for their support in helping make this event possible.
Thank you also to all our wonderful product supporters. Please consider supporting these businesses who support the race.
If you have questions that are not answered here or on the website, then please email us at racedirector@gnarrunners.com. We will do our level best to respond in a timely manner.
We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday morning!
