Black Squirrel Half Marathoners,
We are looking forward to hosting you at the 12th running of the Black Squirrel Half Marathon this Saturday, September 7 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 6 – 4:00-7:00p at Altitude Running (2531 S Shields St #2N, Fort Collins, CO 80526)
- Saturday, September 7 – 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.
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 Hammer 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. All runners registered for the race will receive a park pass – good for one vehicle – as part of their entry fee. Any other crew or spectator vehicles will be required to purchase a park entry for $10 if they don’t already have a CO State Parks annual pass.
As always, we strongly encourage you to carpool. 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
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- *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 mid 50s, rising to a high in the mid 80s. There is a bit of moisture in the forecast for Wednesday, but otherwise race week looks to be generally dry.
Trail conditions are currently excellent and we do not anticipate any trail closures or changes to the route.
CO USATF Championship Race Details
This year’s Black Squirrel Half will serve at the 2024 USATF Colorado Half Marathon Trail Championship, as part of the USATF’s Long Distance Grand Prix Series.
If you are a USATF member (or plan on joining) and wish to be scored in the Grand Prix standings, you MUST let them know your membership number by Noon on Thursday, September 5.
If you have any questions that are not covered here or on the race website, please email us.
Thanks, and once again, we look forward to seeing you all next Saturday.
