Little Colorado - Vertical Trail Race

"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