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 experience at the Little Colorado Vertical Trail Race on Saturday, October 10, 2026, taking place at the scenic Brandywine Ski Resort in Northfield, Summit. This exciting event invites participants to tackle a course that mirrors one of Colorado's most challenging climbs, the Manitou Incline, but with a unique Northeast Ohio twist!

Racers will embark on a thrilling 1-mile loop that boasts 375 feet of elevation gain, with the challenge to complete as many loops as they can within a 3-hour timeframe, capped at five loops. Each loop consists of varying terrain, from beginner-friendly climbs to expert-level ascents, ensuring a test of skill and stamina. To top it off, competitors will face the iconic Champagne climb as their final ascent, adding an extra layer of excitement to this unforgettable day. Whether you're aiming for a podium finish, testing your limits, or simply enjoying a fun day on the hills, the Little Colorado Vertical Trail Race promises a memorable adventure filled with camaraderie and breathtaking views. Don't miss out on this chance to make your legs shake and your spirit soar!

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.

PACKET PICK UP SCHEDULE: Friday, October 9

* 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Brandywine Fall Fest
* Race morning will continue with Packet Pick Up and Registration

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE: Saturday, October 10

* 8:30 AM | Packet Pick-up and Event-Day Registration Opens _(Yes, there is "race day registration")_
* 8:30 AM | Topo Athletic shoe demo
* 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

    CLOSED

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Location

1146 W Highland Rd, Northfield, 44067, OH, United States

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