Froggy Five Mile and Hard as Hell Half

July 21, 2024
Warrensburg
Trail
Distances
Starting Time

8:30 AM

Fees

$40+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

1-100
Challenging
High: 78°
/ Low: 58°

It’s all in the name: these races are not for the faint of heart. However, if you love sprawling mountain views, steep climbs up (and down!) back roads, and a morning spent running in the wilderness, the Froggy Five Mile and Hard as Hell Half are for you.

The Froggy Five Mile was established in 2008 as a capstone challenge as part of the Albany, NY-based ARE Event Productions’ annual Trail Running Camp, hosted each year for fitness enthusiasts in New York’s Capital Region and beyond.

The Hard as Hell Half, added to the lineup in 2020, is “among the hardest half marathons you ever run that is not on trail.” The terrain is composed predominantly of dirt roads, with some paved sections.

Featuring nearly 1,400 feet of elevation gain in the half (and 900 feet in the 5 mile), organizers warn that these races are best suited to those with previous Adirondack mountain running or hiking experiences.

Departing from the start/finish line at Dippikill Wilderness Retreat, the half marathon course begins with a sharp 2.25-mile dirt road descent. Runners then tackle the paved 2.75-mile section of the course before looping around for the brutal climb back toward the start/finish line. There, the second leg of the race begins, as runners drop down for an out-and-back section along Glen Creek. The final mile, organizers claim, “may very well break your spirit – but crossing the finish line will make it all worth it!”
Overview
It’s all in the name: these races are not for the faint of heart. However, if you love sprawling mountain views, steep climbs up (and down!) back roads, and a morning spent running in the wilderness, the Froggy Five Mile and Hard as Hell Half are for you. The Froggy Five Mile was established in 2008 as a capstone challenge as part of the Albany, NY-based ARE Event Productions’ annual Trail Running Camp, hosted each year for fitness enthusiasts in New York’s Capital Region and beyond. The Hard as Hell Half, added to the lineup in 2020, is “among the hardest half marathons you ever run that is not on trail.” The terrain is composed predominantly of dirt roads, with some paved sections. Featuring nearly 1,400 feet of elevation gain in the half (and 900 feet in the 5 mile), organizers warn that these races are best suited to those with previous Adirondack mountain running or hiking experiences.
Departing from the start/finish line at Dippikill Wilderness Retreat, the half marathon course begins with a sharp 2.25-mile dirt road descent. Runners then tackle the paved 2.75-mile section of the course before looping around for the brutal climb back toward the start/finish line. There, the second leg of the race begins, as runners drop down for an out-and-back section along Glen Creek. The final mile, organizers claim, “may very well break your spirit – but crossing the finish line will make it all worth it!”

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Froggy Five Mile and Hard as Hell Half Course Map

Distances
1
Starting Time

8:30 AM

Fees

$40+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

Train with Runna

Use code HALF for 2 weeks FREE

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