Will be updated for 2025 mid-winter.
It is now staged from Beartown State Forest in Great Barrington, MA.
(Approximately 1 hour east of Albany in Southwest MA.).
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.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
8:30AM: Hard as Hell Half Marathon
9AM: Froggy Five Mile
Beartown State Forest (by Benedict Pond)
Monterey, MA 01245
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.
5M | 13.1M | |
---|---|---|
$25 | $35 | through 5/31 |
$30 | $40 | 6/1 to 6/30 |
$35 | $50 | in July |
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.
While you may have them on-site at the event, you are not permitted to participate with pets or strollers.
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!
Cut-offs are at Water Stops. If behind the time reaching the water stop, expect to stop once you are there or possibly be picked up by us driving backwards on the course from that water stop after the cut-off time is reached.
5M Race Cut-off