About the Pilot Hill Trail Run
The Pilot Hill 25K 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 holds 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.
Following the race, relax at the finish line and enjoy food and refreshments. Don't forget a camp chair!
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!
New this year: We have a 10k option! This course has sections of crushed gravel path and single track, with great views of the Snowy Range, Jelm Mountain, Sheep Mountain, and Laramie Valley.
Pricing & Registration
Registration will open on February 1. There will be NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Partner Club Pricing: $5 off
25K
By April 30: $45
May 1-May 24: $55
May 25-May 29 (week of race): $65
10K
$35
Sponsors
Thank you to our awesome sponsors and partners for making this race possible!
Running Club Partners:
And of course, thank you to the
Pilot Hill Project for supporting our access to outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat protection, and aquifer protection!
Course & Aid Stations
25K course map
Google Maps Course Map
All Trails Course Map
10K course map
On The Go Map
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 review the course map ahead of time.
25K 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 and Skratch only. The second aid station is located at the Pilot Hill summit and will have water, Skratch, and snacks. You will pass by the water/Skratch-only aid station one more time at mile 12.6.
10K Aid Station: The 10K course has one aid station, around the 5K mark.
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!
Cut-off Times
25K: The course cut-off time is 4:30 (four hours and 30 minutes). There is no cut-off time for the aid stations, but please plan to finish by 11:30 AM.
10K: The course cut-off time is 3:30 (three hours and 30 minutes). Please plan to finish by 11:30 AM.
Race Day Schedule
25K Bib Pickup: 5:45 - 6:45 AM
Race Start: 7 AM
10K: Bib Pickup: 6:45 - 7:45 AM.
Race Start: 8 AM
Awards and recovery (hosted by Snowy Range Physical Therapy and Wellness) will follow the race.
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/
Dogs on Course
At this time, we are a dog friendly race. However, we ask that you seriously consider the following before bringing your dog along:
- Your dog MUST be able to cover the distance safely. The 25k course is long, steep, exposed, and without shade or water. The 10k course is exposed, with the majority of the course requiring a leash. Unless your dog has successfully completed this distance before, we do not suggest taking your dog out on the course for the safety of your pet. If you have any reservations, we suggest leaving your dog at home.
- Please know which trails require your dog to be on a leash. Leashes are required (no exceptions) on the Jacoby Ridge Trail, Doctor's Order (Trail 1), Janey's Trail, and the Wildlife Habitat Management Area.
- On the course, your dog must be on a leash or well behaved. If your dog bothers other runners, wildlife, or volunteers, we will revisit the dog policy.
- We will have water and aid station provisions available for registered racers only. Please plan accordingly for your four-legged companion (water bowl, extra water, poop bags, etc.)
- NO dog poop. You must bag and remove your pet's waste.
We think dogs contribute to the local, low key vibe of this race, but we have the right to adjust this policy at any time. Thanks for understanding!
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 emailed to registrants after the event.
Awards & Swag
Cash prizes: There will be a $50 "Speedgoat" cash prize for the first male and female 25K runner to the top aid station and a $50 cash prize for the first overall male and female 25K runner.
- 25K Age Group Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 25K runners (male and female categories) in each of the three following age categories: 0-34, 35-49, and 50+.
- 10K Awards: There will be awards for the top 3 10K runners (male and female categories).
- Final Finisher: There will be a prize for the final finisher in each race
About Pilot Hill
A portion of 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/
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!
Alexander Hancock: hancock.alexander.j@gmail.com
Event's current local time: 5:55 AM MT
