The Pilot Hill 25K Classic 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 tries to hold 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.
Don't forget a camp chair; following the race, relax at the finish line and enjoy food and refreshments!
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!
Pricing & Registration
Registration via UltraSignup is available until June 1st. Race day registration will be available from 6:30- 7:45 AM on June 3rd.
General Pricing: $45
Partner Club Pricing: $40
There will be NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
The first 100 registrations will get a Pilot Hill 25k hat!
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors for making this event possible: Sponsors to come!
Course & Aid Stations
Course Map: https://tinyurl.com/PilotHillCourse
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 view the course map ahead of time.
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 only. The second aid station is located at the Pilot Hill summit and will have water, sports drink, and snacks. You will pass by the water-only aid station one more time at mile 12.6.
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!
Race Day Schedule
Bib Pickup: 6:45 - 7:45 AM
Race Start: 8 AM
Awards 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/
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.
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/
Awards & Swag
Cash prizes: TBD
Age Group Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 runners (male and female categories) in each of the three following age categories: 0-34, 35-49, and 50+.
Final Finisher: There will be a prize for the final finisher.
The first 100 registrations will get a Pilot Hill 25k hat! For anyone who is not one of the first 100 registrants, please see us after the race as we may have extras.
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!
Matt McDermit: mcdermit.matt@gmail.com
Kaley Holyfield: kaleyholyfieldrd@gmail.com