The Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS) will wind down its annual trail series a few weeks early this year with Friday’s announcement that the Free to Run Trail Races are canceled. The event typically closes out the BURCS’ season, and it was scheduled to take place on Sept. 12 at Pittsfield State Forest in Pittsfield, Mass., but runner registrations lagged to the point that holding the event was not financially feasible.

“I can’t tell you guys how much I hate writing this,” Durand wrote. “We’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s ‘Free to Run’ trail races. This race has been an important part of our race calendar for the past decade, and it was one of my first introductions to the BURCS family. But, we’re a little more than a month out from the race and we just don’t have the entrants.”

Durand blamed himself for the limited sign-ups as race registration did not open until mid-May.

Other factors likely contributed to the low numbers. For one thing, September is a busy month for trail ultramarathons in Massachusetts and throughout New England, meaning competition for runners is high. This has been a challenge for Free to Run in the past; it was a September race from 2015-2024, and during that time often saw low turnout – at least for its ultra distances. Durand moved the race to June in 2025 and saw a boost in turnout, but for scheduling reasons had to shift the race back to September for 2026.

Additionally, the Free to Run Trail Races always offered the toughest course in the entire BURCS Race Series – and one of the most challenging trail ultras in Massachusetts – with multiple big climbs and more than 6,000 feet of elevation gain for the 50K while taking runners on some of the steepest trails at Pittsfield State Forest. The event has included 25K, 15K and 5-mile distances in recent years, though its format has evolved throughout the prior 10 years. In its original format, Free to Run offered 50-mile, marathon and half-marathon distances, with the 50-miler testing runners with more than 10,000 feet of climbing.

Durand noted that the BURCS will still make a donation to Free to Run, Inc., a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower women and girls in conflict areas through physical activity. He encouraged supporters of the event to make contributions to Free to Run as well.

Though disappointed to have to cancel this year’s race, Durand made it clear that he does not anticipate a repeat performance next year.

“We’re not DONE racing at Pittsfield State Forest!” he wrote. “PSF is an amazing venue, the rangers have been terrific to work with, and while the trails can be challenging, they are incredibly rewarding. We’ll think things over – maybe reach out to the group for some feedback – and come up with a plan for 2027.”