Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race
- Date Sat 10th October 2026
- Time 10:00AM EDT
- Location Northfield, Ohio
- Price $43.95
- Races 1 race
- Distances 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of adventure at the Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race on Saturday, October 10, 2026, located at the scenic Brandywine Ski Resort in Northfield, Summit County, Ohio! This exciting event is designed for climbers of all skill levels, challenging participants to conquer the steep slopes reminiscent of Colorado's infamous Manitou Incline. The unique format allows competitors to tackle a 1-mile loop with a staggering elevation gain of 375 feet, and participants can complete as many loops as they can in a thrilling 3-hour window, with a maximum of five loops.
Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or simply looking to enjoy a memorable day outdoors, the Little Colorado promises an unforgettable experience. The race culminates with the "Final Climb," a steep ascent of 125 feet on the challenging Champagne hill, ensuring that every climber leaves with shaky legs and a sense of accomplishment. Don't miss out on this fun-packed morning of climbing and camaraderie, with the event kicking off at 10:00 AM and post-race celebrations beginning at 12:30 PM. Mark your calendars and prepare to embrace the challenge of the Little Colorado!
Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or simply looking to enjoy a memorable day outdoors, the Little Colorado promises an unforgettable experience. The race culminates with the "Final Climb," a steep ascent of 125 feet on the challenging Champagne hill, ensuring that every climber leaves with shaky legs and a sense of accomplishment. Don't miss out on this fun-packed morning of climbing and camaraderie, with the event kicking off at 10:00 AM and post-race celebrations beginning at 12:30 PM. Mark your calendars and prepare to embrace the challenge of the Little Colorado!
Organiser's Description
"LITTLE COLORADO"...NORTHEAST OHIO'S VERSION OF ONE OF COLORADO'S MOST CHALLENGING CLIMBS, "THE MANITOU INCLINE."
_ABOUT THE MANITOU INCLINE _Referred to by locals as simply the Incline, this popular but strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. After climbing 2,000 vertical feet in only 0.9 of a mile, 2,768 steps, with a climbing grade up to 60%, youll finally reach the summit. As they say in Colorado, "It's like a Stairmaster, but outside!"
_"Little Colorado" Big Hills. Short Loops. Shaky Legs._
In conjunction with Boston Mills/Brandywine's Fall Festival, join us on October 10, 2026 for LITTLE COLORADO, a fun-packed morning of hill climbing on the ski slopes at Brandywine Ski Resort! _CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE_ Each loop is 1 mile with 375ft of elevation gain. Complete as many loops as you can in 3 hours (Max of 5 loops) and get ready for a short, steep course guaranteed to make your legs shake. Whether youre racing for the awards, testing your climbing legs, or simply looking for a memorable day on the hills, Little Colorado is ready for you.
HOW TO COMPETE AT LITTLE COLORADO
The Course: The Little Colorado event course is divided into 2 parts, the "Main Loop" and the "Final Climb". You may complete as many 'Main Loops" as possible until you finish 5 loops or call it a day. All competitors must complete their final climb to get an official finish.
PART 1-THE "MAIN LOOP"
Distance = 1 mile Vertical Feet/loop = 375 feet
The "Main Loop" is 1 mile that begins with a "GREEN" CIRCLE climb on _Frosty_ (the "beginner" hill), then to a "BLUE" SQUARE climb on the _Outer Limits_ trail (an "intermediate" hill), then to _Regulator Johnston_, a "BLACK" DIAMOND climb (an "advanced" hill). The "Main Loop" has a vertical climb of 375 feet. Complete as many laps as you can in the time-frame of the event up to a maximum of 5 laps. With each lap being 375 feet of vertical, completing all 5 laps (plus the "Final Climb") will equal the vertical feet of the Manitou Incline...2000 vertical feet!
PART 2-THE "FINAL CLIMB"
Distance = 0.12 miles Vertical Feet = 125 feet
Upon completing your number of laps of the 1 mile "Main Loop," you will need to climb one of Ohio's steepest ski hills, _Champagne_, another "BLACK" DIAMOND, ("expert" hill), as your final climb. YOU WILL ONLY DO THE CHAMPAGNE CLIMB ON YOUR FINAL LAP. The Champagne climb will get you to the finish line.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE: Saturday, October 10
* 8:30am Packet Pick-up and Event-Day Registration Opens _(Yes, there is "race day registration")_
* 10:00am The Climbing Challenge Begins!
* 12:30pm Cut-off for final lap and post-race celebrations begin!
* 1:00pm Climbing Challenge course closes.
_A RUN_ THE LAND EVENT [https://www.runtheland.com/] DIRECTED BY RACE DIRECTOR GREGG
_ABOUT THE MANITOU INCLINE _Referred to by locals as simply the Incline, this popular but strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. After climbing 2,000 vertical feet in only 0.9 of a mile, 2,768 steps, with a climbing grade up to 60%, youll finally reach the summit. As they say in Colorado, "It's like a Stairmaster, but outside!"
_"Little Colorado" Big Hills. Short Loops. Shaky Legs._
In conjunction with Boston Mills/Brandywine's Fall Festival, join us on October 10, 2026 for LITTLE COLORADO, a fun-packed morning of hill climbing on the ski slopes at Brandywine Ski Resort! _CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE_ Each loop is 1 mile with 375ft of elevation gain. Complete as many loops as you can in 3 hours (Max of 5 loops) and get ready for a short, steep course guaranteed to make your legs shake. Whether youre racing for the awards, testing your climbing legs, or simply looking for a memorable day on the hills, Little Colorado is ready for you.
HOW TO COMPETE AT LITTLE COLORADO
The Course: The Little Colorado event course is divided into 2 parts, the "Main Loop" and the "Final Climb". You may complete as many 'Main Loops" as possible until you finish 5 loops or call it a day. All competitors must complete their final climb to get an official finish.
PART 1-THE "MAIN LOOP"
Distance = 1 mile Vertical Feet/loop = 375 feet
The "Main Loop" is 1 mile that begins with a "GREEN" CIRCLE climb on _Frosty_ (the "beginner" hill), then to a "BLUE" SQUARE climb on the _Outer Limits_ trail (an "intermediate" hill), then to _Regulator Johnston_, a "BLACK" DIAMOND climb (an "advanced" hill). The "Main Loop" has a vertical climb of 375 feet. Complete as many laps as you can in the time-frame of the event up to a maximum of 5 laps. With each lap being 375 feet of vertical, completing all 5 laps (plus the "Final Climb") will equal the vertical feet of the Manitou Incline...2000 vertical feet!
PART 2-THE "FINAL CLIMB"
Distance = 0.12 miles Vertical Feet = 125 feet
Upon completing your number of laps of the 1 mile "Main Loop," you will need to climb one of Ohio's steepest ski hills, _Champagne_, another "BLACK" DIAMOND, ("expert" hill), as your final climb. YOU WILL ONLY DO THE CHAMPAGNE CLIMB ON YOUR FINAL LAP. The Champagne climb will get you to the finish line.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE: Saturday, October 10
* 8:30am Packet Pick-up and Event-Day Registration Opens _(Yes, there is "race day registration")_
* 10:00am The Climbing Challenge Begins!
* 12:30pm Cut-off for final lap and post-race celebrations begin!
* 1:00pm Climbing Challenge course closes.
_A RUN_ THE LAND EVENT [https://www.runtheland.com/] DIRECTED BY RACE DIRECTOR GREGG
Races
-
The Manitou Climber Challenge
Incl. $3.95 Fee & Long Sleeve Marmie T Shirt
Sat 10th October 2026 (10:00AM EDT)
$43.95
Reviews
Doing this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.
Location
1146 W Highland Rd, Northfield, 44067, OH, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race
