ABOUT

The event was created in 2008 and historically held in conjunction with ARE Event Productions' Trail Running Camp in Warrensburg, NY. For 2025, the event has moved to Beartown State Forest in Great Barrington, MA. Other than the change of location, the general scope remains the same.

The Froggy Five Mile is a challenging trail run that sends you on an undulating loop generally circling Benedict Pond. It includes some gorgeous views of the Berkshires. Be prepared for some serious climbs on mostly single track trail.

The Hard as Hell Half Marathon debuted in 2020 and features about 1,600 feet of elevation GAIN that is 85% dirt roads/10% pavement/5% trail. You will NOT PR but you will definitely enjoy the serene backroads and low key atmosphere that made this a quick favorite among its participants.

Both races are DIFFICULT courses. A LOT of elevation change and the 5M has tough footing in many places. This is only for individuals who have EXPERIENCE on this type of terrain.

WHEN

Sunday, July 20, 2025
8:30AM: Hard as Hell Half Marathon
9AM: Froggy Five Mile

WHERE

Beartown State Forest (by Benedict Pond)
Monterey, MA 01245

PARKING

We are offering FREE off-site parking at the Roadside Cafe (3.5M from the race) with a FREE van ride both TO and FROM the event.

If you desire to park AT the venue, please note that Beartown State Forest charges a parking fee of $8 for MA license plate vehicles and $30 (yes, $30!) for non-MA license plates.

There IS free parking available within Beartown State Forest, but it is HIGHLY limited in convenience to the start/finish area (free parking is permitted at the occasional pull-off along the main road.) As such, you may still end up driving a mile within the forest to find that free spot.

The event is staged from a beautiful place; take advantage of the free van ride - pack a bag to have for after the race, and enjoy hanging out post-run at the event BBQ / jumping in the pond, etc.

VAN RIDE SCHEDULE

Pick-up Location: Roadside Cafe
7:25AM
7:50AM
8:15AM

Pick-up Location: The Finish Line
10:30AM
11:00AM
11:30AM

ENTRY FEE SCHEDULE

AMENITIES

A post race BBQ awaits you! Along with an energetic race atmosphere with music and announcing to make you smile and entertain your spectators. It is otherwise a low-key event; there is not a physical item giveaway. There are no awards. You are welcome to jump in the pond after the race or relax in a nearby creek.

PETS & STROLLERS

While you may have them on-site at the event, you are not permitted to participate with pets or strollers.

VOLUNTEER

Help us make it happen! Whether you want to get in a hike as part of your role or be along the road, the choice is yours!

WEATHER POLICY

It is our desire to hold the event regardless of precipitation, although EXTREME rainfall could impact the event. In addition, lightning and extreme heat could also impact it, as detailed below:

Lightning
Delayed start or early finish due to lightning (30 minute wait after most recent lightning strike / if delays exceed 45 minutes after the scheduled start times, organizers may elect to cancel the event)

Extreme Heat
A forecasted or realized heat index of 100° F for this location/at this NWS page will cancel the half marathon. This takes effect at 7pm the night prior to the event; if at that time it is forecast to exceed 100° F for the heat index prior to 11:20am on race day (the cut-off time of the event), then all participants will be moved to the 5M race. If it is not forecast (in advance of the race start) to reach that heat index but during the event it does reach that heat index, then the half marathon will be canceled, with all participants notified at the next aid station they reach to stop running and our course support van will pick them up.