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
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of climbing at the Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race, taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the stunning Brandywine Ski Resort in Northfield, Summit! This unique event, inspired by Colorado's challenging Manitou Incline, invites participants to tackle the steep slopes with a series of fun and demanding loops. Each 1-mile loop features a vertical gain of 375 feet, and competitors can complete up to five loops within three hours, pushing their limits and testing their endurance.
The course includes a mix of beginner to advanced trails, culminating in the daunting Champagne climb, a final ascent that will truly put your climbing skills to the test. Whether you're racing for awards, challenging yourself, or simply looking for a memorable outdoor activity, the Little Colorado promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on the pre-race festivities starting at 8:30 AM, with the climbing challenge kicking off at 10:00 AM. Join us for a day of adventure, community, and celebration!
The course includes a mix of beginner to advanced trails, culminating in the daunting Champagne climb, a final ascent that will truly put your climbing skills to the test. Whether you're racing for awards, challenging yourself, or simply looking for a memorable outdoor activity, the Little Colorado promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on the pre-race festivities starting at 8:30 AM, with the climbing challenge kicking off at 10:00 AM. Join us for a day of adventure, community, and celebration!
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 Brandywine Fall Fest/Ski Swap [https://www.bmbw.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/event-detail.aspx?id=%7B0dbcc726-0be6-4235-9147-ba85ad62ea13%7D], 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
* 8:30 am | Packet Pick-up and Event-Day Registration Opens _(Yes, there is "race day registration")_
* 10:00 am |The Climbing Challenge Begins!
* 12:30 pm | Cut-off for final lap and post-race celebrations begin!
* 1:00 pm | Climbing Challenge course closes.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PACKET PICKUP
* All participants MUST SIGN a paper liability waiver from BOSTON MILLS BRANDYWINE RESORT (VAIL RESORTS) during packet pickup.
* Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow time to complete this waiver before receiving your packet.
_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 Brandywine Fall Fest/Ski Swap [https://www.bmbw.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/event-detail.aspx?id=%7B0dbcc726-0be6-4235-9147-ba85ad62ea13%7D], 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
* 8:30 am | Packet Pick-up and Event-Day Registration Opens _(Yes, there is "race day registration")_
* 10:00 am |The Climbing Challenge Begins!
* 12:30 pm | Cut-off for final lap and post-race celebrations begin!
* 1:00 pm | Climbing Challenge course closes.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PACKET PICKUP
* All participants MUST SIGN a paper liability waiver from BOSTON MILLS BRANDYWINE RESORT (VAIL RESORTS) during packet pickup.
* Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow time to complete this waiver before receiving your packet.
_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
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Location
1146 W Highland Rd, Northfield, 44067, OH, United States
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Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race
