Event Description

The Craftsbury Outdoor Center and surrounding natural areas are a gem of the Northeast Kingdom. Scenic forests and tranquil lakes surround this world class trail system in a remote but vibrant corner of Vermont.  Join us for what is sure to be one of the last trail run races of the season. There may be snow, there will be ghosts! 

In addition to an incredible year round multi use trail system, Craftsbury Outdoor Center has developed a truly remarkable facility. Along with a community of dedicated staff and athletes, the recreation community that radiates health and fun is one you won't want to leave. We are thrilled to join the COC Team for our final event of the trail running season, and hope you will too!

Course Description

This challenging trail race is run over a 15k loop that starts and finishes outside of the COC Touring Center. From the center, runners will start by traversing a short section of dirt road, then enter the winding single track trails of Hosmer Point Camp, where the course skirts the edges of beautiful Great Hosmer Pond. Next, runners cross back into the wide, double track style nordic trail system that parallels the nearby Black River for several miles, before finishing the loop with a serpentine climb back to the COC base over single track trails in dense forests. Rolling climbs and descents throughout the race make this loop a real lung buster! Runners may choose to run the loop once, twice, or three times for race distances of 15k, 30k, or 45k. Runners can also form relay teams; two runners each taking a lap for a 30k race, or 3 runners for 45k. 

The Black River Beatdown is also a trail run party! October 27 is almost Halloween! You bet there will be costumes! Special recognition to best runner and volunteer costume! Heck, we will be keeping an eye out for best spectator costumes too, so don't hold back! 

It might snow by October 27...!? That's right! But we are still running! If it snows a bunch, we might turn this party into a snowshoe race, but we doubt it will come to that! Expect a warming fire, warm post race recovery grub, and a whole bunch of fun to wrap up our great season of trail races, and get us ready for ski season! 

Event's current local time: 2:01 PM ET