Free to Run Trail Races - Pittsfield, MA

Free to Run Trail Races : Pittsfield State Forest, MA

Free to Run Trail Races is organized by the Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS) and takes place in Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield, MA, on September 12, 2026. The event benefits Free to Run, Inc., an organization that supports women and girls in conflict-affected regions through sports programs, life skills development, and community outreach.

Race distances include:

• 50K
• 25K
• 15K
• 5 mile

The course is a double-loop figure 8 that combines for approximately 15.5 miles per full circuit and about 3000 feet of vertical gain. The larger loop is about 10.5 miles and includes climbs to Pine Mountain, Tower Mountain, and Berry Hill, sections along the Taconic Crest Trail, and a fast winding descent back to the start/finish. The smaller loop is about 5.5 miles and begins with an ascent on the Lulu Brook trail followed by a fast descent to the start/finish. Fifty-kilometer runners complete both loops twice; other distances complete one or part of the loops as described.

There are three aid stations on course; runners are expected to carry water and some calories. The 50K must be completed within twelve hours, and the final small loop must be started by ten hours for an official finish. Each finisher receives a finishers award. Runners who register before September 1 receive a shirt; later registrants receive a shirt on a best-efforts basis.

Registration closes on September 6. There are multiple campsites in Pittsfield State Forest with showers and bathrooms; participants must book campsites themselves. The organizers reserve the right to convert the event to virtual if permits cannot be secured or if officials prohibit an in-person event. Because proceeds are donated to charities, refunds and deferrals are not offered except for pregnancy deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.