Dear Black Squirrel Half Marathoner,
We are looking forward to hosting you at the 13th running of the Black Squirrel Half Marathon this Saturday, September 6 at 7:00am.
Before we send you on your way, we’d like to draw your attention to some important details for race weekend.
Packet Pickup
There will be two opportunities to get your packets:
- Friday, September 5 – 4:00-7:00p at Altitude Running (2531 S Shields St #2N, Fort Collins, CO 80526)
- Saturday, September 6 – 5:30-6:45a at the race start/finish at Lory State Park’s Soldier Canyon Picnic Area.
Picking up your bib either day tells us that you are starting the race. If you pick up your bib, but miss the start, please notify us so we know that you are not lost on course.
If you want to check out your bib number before packet pickup, you can do so here.
Partner Packet Pickup Offers
Be among the first in the United States to try shoes from our presenting sponsor X-Bionic. To celebrate the launch of X-Bionic in the US, our retail partner Altitude Running is offering 20% off in store purchases.
In addition to 20% off X-Bionic products, Altitude Running is offering a storewide 15% off sale (excluding electronics) during Friday’s packet pickup.
We currently have about 40 spots left in the race. If some are still available Friday and Saturday, we will be offering registration in-person at packet pickup and race morning.
If you have friends and/or family that would like to run, we suggest letting them know to pre-register this week so as not to miss out.
Cup Free Racing
We were asked last year to remind all runners that you should carry a 16oz minimum water bottle or bladder that can be refilled at aid stations. We do not stock single-use cups at aid stations.
Aid Stations
All aid stations will be serving Gnarly Fuel20 Limeade and Naak Gels. Later aid stations will also have fruit, a selection of salty snacks, and perhaps a surprise or two!
Parking
Parking will be available beginning at 5:30am.
We are asking any runners who are able to arrive in a vehicle that already has a state park pass to please do so. If you have a pass as part of your vehicle registration (small CO Parks & Wildlife badge on the registration), the park has asked that you display it on your dash.
We WILL provide passes for any vehicles that do not have a state pass. Due to recent permitting changes, we now have to cover fees for any vehicles without passes and appreciate your help keeping costs down.
Any other vehicles (crews/spectators) will be required to have a Colorado State Parks Annual Pass or purchase a park entry pass on-site for $10.
As always, we strongly encourage you to carpool. Premium parking spaces in the Soldier Canyon lot nearest the start/finish will be given to carpools of 2 or more registered runners on a first-come-first-serve basis. All other vehicles will be directed to park on the Lodgepole Drive spur road and the Timber trailhead lot with overflow parking at the Eltuck Picnic area.
**Please give yourself an extra 20-30 minutes to park and get to race check-in on time. Late arrivals may have up to 1 mile or longer to walk to the start.**
Park Visitors
The park is open to the public. Please be courteous to other users. Yield when appropriate.
Post-Race Breakfast
We will be hosting a finish line breakfast at the Solider Canyon Group Picnic Area, featuring:
- Pancakes*
- Sausage*
- Eggs
- Hash Browns
- OJ
- Fruit
- Mary’s Mountain Cookies
- New Belgium Beer, Sparkling Water & More
*Vegan options available
Reusable dishware – all finish line meals will be served on reusable dishware. When you’re done with a piece, simply hand it back to any breakfast volunteer for washing.
All runners are welcome to the breakfast by showing their race bib. The serving line will have a list of all extra meals purchased in advance, so you can simply line up and have them check you off. Additional meals can also be purchased on site for $10 (cash preferred).
Weather & Trails
The current forecast for race day is partly cloudy with start temperatures in the 50s, rising to a high around 70. Pretty good!
Trail conditions are currently excellent and we do not anticipate any trail closures or changes to the route.
