Last week we opened registration for the 2020 Craftsbury Beer Run, our point to point half marathon fundraiser run in early June. This year’s course starts on the trails of the Outdoor Center before climbing to Hill Farmstead Brewery and finishing at Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro. In the spirit of running to finish line beers, this edition of Local Dirt features a section of the Craftsbury Beer Run course: the dirt road run from the Outdoor Center to Hill Farmstead. This destination run passes by many of our neighboring farms and boasts no shortage of climbing or spectacular views. Pro tip: plan a meet-up with friends for drinks, food truck snacks, and a ride home! Below is a description of the route followed by suggestions for future renditions.  

Distance: 10.4 miles
Max elevation: 1879’
Elevation gain: 1486’
Terrain: Significant, steady climbing mixed with rolling downhills and flats. 

Map and Strava.

Route:  Starting from the Outdoor Center, run South on Lost Nation Road towards Mill Village Road. Turn left at the stop sign onto Mill Village Road at 0.5 miles, and continue on Mill Village until you reach the intersection with King Farm Road at 1.3 miles. Turn onto King Farm Road, continuing passed Strong Road and Dustan Road as you descend to Young Road at 2.6 miles. Turn left onto Young Road. The official town road ends at 3 miles, continue straight on the class IV road passing over a small bridge to reach the intersection of Creek and Ketchum roads at 3.1 miles. Cross Creek Road to continue straight up Ketchum Hill. This is a steady mile-long climb. Be sure to look up and take in the sweeping views in front and behind you as you approach the crest of the hill!

After climbing Ketchum Hill Road, turn left onto South Albany Road at 4.2 miles. At 4.8 miles turn right onto Echo Hill Road for the second major climb of the route. Continue straight onto Class IV Shatney Road as Echo Hill Road ends at its peak at 5.3 miles. Run by the horses grazing on Shatney Road to reach Shadow Lake Road at 5.9 miles. Turn right onto Shadow Lake Road for a brief climb before turning left onto Rocking Rock Road at 6 miles. Continue along Rocking Road as you conquer the third major climb of the route and enjoy beautiful views in all directions.

As you reach the high point at the height of Rocking Road, 1879’, continue straight through the intersection onto Town Highway 8 at 8.2 miles. Run the rolling descent on Town Highway 8 until you reach Hill Road at 10 miles. Turn left onto Hill Road for the final stretch to Hill Farmstead Brewery. Hills conquered, beer earned! 

Heidi’s Helpful Hints:

1. Pace yourself. This is a point to point run, elevation loss is not equal to elevation gain. The route includes 1487’ of elevation gain over 10.4 miles. The most significant downhill portions are in the first three miles, making the final seven miles a grueling climb. Don’t underestimate these hills - they really do stretch on and on!

2. Look up and enjoy the views! The views from Ketchum Hill Road and Rocking Rock Road are some of my favorites in the area. 

3. Plan to run this route on a day the brewery is open and hosting food trucks. You can check their website for hours and to see which food trucks are there on particular days.

4. Entice your friends to pick you up by treating them to a beer. Works every time and is a fun outing for all involved. 

5. The Class IV section of Shatney Road can have giant puddles if it has rained recently. They are passable and cover a very short section of the route, but be prepared to slow down and potentially walk around them. 

6. Looking for a route variant, or want to avoid the Shatney puddles? Continue straight at the top of Ketchum Hill Road to run a short stretch of pavement on East Craftsbury Road before turning left onto Shadow Lake Road. You’ll then rejoin the set course at the intersection with Rocking Rock Road. This alternate route is 11 miles.

7. Please be aware: The bridge on the short Class IV section between Young Road and Ketchum Hill Road is not maintained and is falling to disrepair. I haven’t had any issues yet, but please be cautious.