After months of anticipation, registration for the Free to Run Trail Races opened on Saturday, May 27, on UltraSignup. The event, which has been a staple of the Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service’s BURCS Badass Race Series since 2015, returns with a few new features for 2023.

New Race Director Jay Durand announced the opening of registration in a Facebook post on Saturday morning. In addition to the race’s date – Saturday, Sept. 16 – Durand also shared the scoop on the changes to the event that both newcomers and veterans may find enticing.

“And you might now notice – new race distances!” Durand wrote. “Ultrarunners have the choice now of an all-day 50-mile adventure, as well as a new 50K option. Trail runners who don’t quite want to go ultra can run a 25K, and for those who just want a taste of the epicness there’s a new 15K.”

The 50-mile, 50K, 25K and 15K distances are a modification to Free to Run’s traditional lineup of 50-mile, marathon and half marathon offerings. The changes make the event inviting for runners interested in a bit less mileage than a half marathon, as well as those interested in an ultra but not ready for 50 miles.

In particular, the 50K addition may prove plenty tough for ultrarunners because Free to Run has always challenged runners with plenty of climbing on the singletrack trails of Pittsfield State Forest. That will be the case again in 2023, even as the event rolls out a new course design.

“With the new distances comes a new race loop, which we have been working on and thinking about since last September,” Durand wrote. “Free to Run is designed to be BURCS’ most challenging race – all the #vert you didn’t get at Sweltering Summer, you’re going to get here!

“The race is now split into a double-loop, just like that Hot Wheels track you loved as a kid. The two loops combine for about 15.5 miles and ~ 3,000 feet of climb.”

Runners in the 15K will amass around 1,800 feet of climbing and those in the 25K will earn 3,000 feet of gain. In the ultra distances, 50K runners will climb around 6,000 feet while those in the 50-miler will earn around 9,000 feet of vertical gain for their effort. Runners in the 50K will complete two full loops of the double-loop course; those in the 50-miler will complete three full loops and tack on a bit of extra distance on the Circuit Road to complete the distance.

Event Details

All races will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Pittsfield State Forest in Pittsfield, Mass. The 50-mile race will begin at 6 a.m.; all other distances will start at 8 a.m. Registration may be done on UltraSignup. Entry fees are $120 for the 50-miler, $100 for the 50K, $80 for the 25K and $60 for the 15K.

Proceeds Benefit Free to Run

Proceeds from the Free to Run Trail Races will once again benefit Free to Run Inc., an organization founded by professional ultrarunner Stephanie Case that seeks to empower women and girls in conflict regions through running and other physical activities.