About Pilot Hill 25K
The Pilot Hill 25K Classic is the oldest continuously run footrace in Wyoming. The race has its roots back in the 1970’s when a group of local runners and university cross country team members decided to begin their summer training by racing from Laramie to the top of Pilot Hill and back down. At that time, trail running was a “fringe sport” — the running boom that was sweeping the nation was confined primarily to the roads. Pilot Hill tries to hold true to its roots–by providing a “down home” race that won’t break the bank while celebrating the sport that all of us love.
The Pilot Hill Race is run on rugged two-track and single track trails. It crosses sandy flats, runs over some low grade hills, and climbs up (and descends down) some pretty gnarly weathered limestone. The top of Pilot Hill (at 8600 ft) is one of the highest points in the Sherman Mountains (Laramie Range) that sits east of the town of Laramie. From the top, you will be greeted by views of the Laramie Valley and across to the west to the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow Mountains, and to the south in Colorado: the Rawahs and Front Range.
Don't forget a camp chair; following the race, relax at the finish line and enjoy food and refreshments!
Proceeds from this event will be donated to Pilot Hill Inc.
Please note, this is a cupless race. Please bring your own bottle, cup, or water bladder as we will have no cups available at aid stations. Thanks for helping us keep the trails clean!
Pricing & Registration
Registration via UltraSignup is available until June 1st. Race day registration will be available from 6:30- 7:45 AM on June 3rd.
General Pricing: $45
HPH Club Member or Partner Club: $35
Race Day Registration (Cash or Check): $50
The first 80 registrations will get a Pilot Hill 25k hat!
If you prefer to register and submit payment via snail mail, please email the race directors for more information.
Matt McDermit: mcdermit.matt@gmail.com
Kaley Holyfield: kaleyholyfield@gmail.com
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2023 sponsors for making this event possible:
Big Hollow Food Coop
BikeNet
Coal Creek Coffee
Fort Collins Running Club
High Country Physical Therapy
High Plains Harriers
JC Construction
Pedal House
Pour Ta
Spine & Injury Clinic of Laramie
Course & Aid Stations
Course Map: https://tinyurl.com/PilotHillCourse
The course will be adequately marked with neon pin flags along the trail and visible directional signage at trail intersections. However, it is your responsibility to know the course, so please make sure to view the course map ahead of time.
Aid Stations: The course has two aid stations, one of which will be visited twice. The first aid station is located 3.7 miles in and will be water only. The second aid station is located at the Pilot Hill summit and will have water, sports drink, and snacks. You will pass by the water only aid station one more time at mile 12.6.
PLEASE NOTE, this is a cupless race. Please bring your own bottle, cup, or water bladder as we will have no cups available at aid stations. Thanks for helping us keep the trails clean!
Race Day Schedule
Race Day Registration: 6:30 - 7:45 AM
Bib Pickup: 6:30 - 7:45 AM
Race Start: 8 AM
Awards: TBA
Directions to Start
The race will start at the east end of Willet Drive. Detailed instructions to the start can be found here: https://pilothill.org/access-the-property/
Race Photos
We won't be taking official race photos, but we'll snap some cell phone shots along the way. A link to race photos will be posted here after the event. Stay tuned!
About Pilot Hill
Race proceeds will be donated to Pilot Hill Inc. Pilot Hill Inc is building a world-class recreation and wildlife habitat area, ensuring in perpetuity, quality of life and health benefits, pure drinking water, and economic vitality for families in Albany County Wyoming. This game changing project was born out of southeastern Wyoming citizens’ historic love for the land between Laramie and the Medicine Bow Forest.
Proceeds help support:
- Access to outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities, regardless of means, in Laramie's backyard. This helps create a healthier community.
- Accessible site-based educational and research locations for students and lifelong learners.
- Protection of a critical portion of the Casper aquifer from commercial and residential development and the associated risks of contamination.
- Conservation of the critical winter range for resident elk, moose, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer that are restricted by the Interstate-80 corridor.
- Economic diversification for the region, attracting entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, and tourists who value access to recreation and the resulting physical, mental health, and quality of life benefits.
For more information about Pilot Hill visit: https://pilothill.org/
Awards & Swag
Mountain Goat: A cash prize will be awarded to the first "mountain goat" female and male to the top of Pilot Hill.
Age Group Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 runners in each of the three following age categories: 0-34, 35-49, and 50+.
Final Finisher: The final finisher will receive a free bike rental from Pedal House in Laramie.
The first 80 registrations will get a Pilot Hill 25k hat! For anyone who is not one of the first 80 registrants, please see us after the race as we may have extras.
What to Bring
Cup, water bottle, or bladder (this is a cupless race - thanks for helping us keep the trails clean!)
Camp chair for the finish area
Any special fuel for dietary needs (we will have basic snacks at the top aid station, water, and sports drink)
Sunscreen
Windbreaker (Wyoming weather can still be tricky in early June!)
Things to Do in Laramie
We encourage visitors to enjoy "Laradise" after the race! Re-fuel with lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, check out the murals in Downtown Laramie, celebrate your accomplishment with a beverage at one of our breweries. For more things to do, visit: https://www.visitlaramie.org/
Race Director Contact Information
Questions? Send us a note!
Matt McDermit: mcdermit.matt@gmail.com
Kaley Holyfield: kaleyholyfieldrd@gmail.com
Event's current local time: 8:17 AM MT
