Thanks for signing up for this Sunday's race! We can't wait to have you join us at Beartown!

To ensure you are fully aware of what to expect, please set aside 10 minutes to fully read this.
 

WHEN
Sun, July 20, 2025
8:30AM - Hard as Hell Half Marathon - aim to be at the start area* between 7:40AM and 8:10AM
9:00AM - Froggy Five Mile - aim to be at the start area* between 8:10AM and 8:40AM
*If using the event van service from the Roadside Cafe, please be cognizant of van departure times shown below.
--> Bib pick-up is only on race day.

LOCATION
Exact GPS for the Start/Finish
The event is staged from Beartown State Forest, specifically at the boat launch to Bendict Pond.

Click on the image below to enlarge it.

FREE SHUTTLE (VAN) SERVICE | Video of Parking Area at Roadside
Exact GPS for the Shuttle Pick-up at the Roadside Cafe (275 Main Rd, 01245)
Avoid the hassle of finding a spot in the park (or paying for one) by parking ~2.5 miles away at the Roadside Cafe and using our free shuttle service. The van departs at 7:25am, 7:50am, and 8:15am.

Post event, ride the van back to your car at the Roadside Cafe at 10:30am, 11am, or 11:30am.

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION DATA AT YOUR REG PORTAL
To indicate if you need a ride (/time) or how you will be getting to the event otherwise.
This ensures we can accommodate everyone / provide more info if necessary.

WHAT YOU GET
An opportunity to enjoy a beautiful place in a low-key event with barely 25 runners in each race. While there are no physical item giveaways, we are hopeful that you walk away with an experience that you cherish and makes you proud of your tenacity.

You can swim in the pond! Bring a full change of clothes/towel/shoes for after.

AND FOOD...
We'll be grilling burgers and dogs (and a veggie option). We'll also have many other food options. We encourage you to bring a dish or beverage to share if you like. (We provide the plates and utensils.)

COURSE INFORMATION
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO.
You should be EXPERIENCED at your chosen distance/terrain/elevation gain.
The inherent difficulty and remoteness of these courses elevates the risk for all involved.

The 5M (~8K) is mostly on difficult trails.
Its first ~1K is on a dirt road with an immediate steep climb and descent. You then get on the Appalachian Trail for 2K, which is incredibly technical and HILLY. Expect lots of ROCKS and ROOTS. Mile 2 to 3 is mostly downhill on a dirt road (enjoy it :p), with the remaining 2 miles returning you to some serious trail sections, including some big uphill and a (hopefully) fun final downhill mile.

The Half Marathon (which is closer to about 13.5M) is a non-stop roller!
The first 4.3M (to the first water stop) is a REAL GRIND. Other than the paved first 2M and a 0.5M section near the end, it's all on dirt roads (and also a ~2K section that is more like a trail than a road). While the footing is far better than the 5M trail course, you'll be sweating plenty on this HILLY course. Save some energy for the last 1.5M+, which is brutally uphill. :)

Learn about the courses here.
Please download the route to your GPS device. (If you have one.)

Comprehensive Course Overview & Event Operations - ALL the key race information.
(It's more for the volunteers - but may be helpful for you too.)

WATER STOPS ("REFILL STATIONS")

** As stated on the event website, you MUST carry your own water.
Bring a bottle, hydration pack, etc. Whatever you prefer.
The 5M has a water stop at 3.5M. 
The 13.1M has 3 water stops on the course the course link for details.
4.3M (WS #1)
7.7M (WS #2)
10.7M (WS #3)
If you need calories/electrolytes during the run, you must provide your own. 

COURSE CUT-OFFS
13.1M Race Cut-offs
If you are behind a cut-off, then once you reach that water stop, a volunteer will drive you to the finish.
4.3M (WS #1) - 58 Minutes | 13:30 minute pace (mostly uphill to here)
7.7M (WS #2) - 1:40 | 13:00 pace (rolling but net downhill to here)
10.7M (WS #3) - 2:14 | 12:30 pace (rolling but net downhill to here)
Finish: 2:50:00 (11:20AM) (13:00 pace)

5M Race Cut-off
3.5M Water Stop - 52 minutes (15 minute pace)

PARTICIPANT SAFETY - PLEASE READ THIS TWICE
Emergency Contact / Phone: {EmerContact} {EmerPhone}
Ensure they KNOW you are participating / will be available during the event.
If you need to CHANGE the person/phone, please do so here: {ConfCodeURL}

Your bib has an Emergency Phone Number on it which will call our medical dispatch team at the finish.

In addition, the bib has as QR code on it for emergency use. If you need to drop-out for a NON-emergency reason, please scan the QR code, enter the last 4 of your phone #, and then click the drop-out button.

If you have a dire medical emergency, first responders can scan that QR code to get your Emergency Contact Information. (They have a special code for access.)

If you encounter someone in need of medical assistance, please "take note of" (if you are not staying with the person when reaching out for help) of both their BIB NUMBER and their NAME. If you have a cell phone on you and it's an emergency, dial the emergency phone number on the bib. Otherwise, continue running and notify the first volunteer you get to. Inform them of the BIB/NAME and approximately how far behind you (or in front of you) the person is.

WEATHER | WEATHER POLICY
As of 3pm on Thur, 7/17, the race morning temperature is expected to be in the mid 60s (rising to the low 70s during the race) with high humidity. There is a chance of light, intermittent rain showers.

THE 'BEARTOWN BRAWLERS'
A group of us who live near Beartown State Forest have been meeting about once a week to run from Roadside Cafe. We'll be meeting up at 5:30pm on Fri, 7/18 (tomorrow) for a 30 minute run. 15 minutes out/back on Swann Road. All paces welcome. Bring a drink to enjoy after the run. 

LASTLY
Our team has a giddy excitement for this event; while it is (generally speaking) the 18th year of the event, after 17 years staged in the Adirondacks, it's now making its debut at Beartown State Forest. We can't wait for you to experience the courses - in all their difficult splendor.

Thank you for choosing our event. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Appreciatively,
Josh Merlis
Event Director