Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race 2026

"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%, you’ll 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 , 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 you’re 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. A  Run The Land Event directed by Race Director Gregg