Starting at 68°F, heat will be a factor from the gun — go out conservative and stay on top of hydration. Temperatures rising to 81°F through the course will gradually increase perceived effort in the second half. Moderate winds around 17mph may affect pacing on open sections of the course.

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Distance: 5.0mi

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Race Info

The Steel Rail 8K is an out-and-back run of about five miles on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, starting and finishing at the Adams Visitors Center. It follows the same flat, car-free rail corridor as the marathon and half marathon and runs on the Sunday of race weekend. The trail stays open to the public during the race, so runners share it with walkers and cyclists.

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Race weekend

Saturday, May 16

9:00 AMMo's Mile (1.0 mi)

Sunday, May 17

7:00 AMMarathon (26.2 mi)8:30 AMHalf Marathon (13.1 mi)

9:00 AM8K (5.0 mi)

FAQ

When is the 2026 Steel Rail 8K?

The 2026 Steel Rail 8K will be held on Sunday May 17, 2026.

What is the time limit for the Steel Rail 8K?

The time limit for the Steel Rail 8K is 4 hours.

What will the weather be like for the 2026 Steel Rail 8K?

The forecast calls for a high of 83°F and a low of 60°F with a 0% chance of rain.

Historical Weather

Based on 5 years of data

Avg Temp

64°F

L:63° H:65°

RunScore

Conditions

Rain Freq

20%

1 of 5 yrs

Wind7mph

Dew54°F

Temperature History

Range of temperatures during race hours for each year.

Detailed History

This race has moved. A year marked with a city was run there, and its weather is from there.

Year	Low / High	Rain	Dew Point
2026 Steel Rail 8K Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2026	68°/70°	-	57°
2025 Steel Rail 8K Pittsfield, MA · Cloudy skies throughout the day with afternoon rain. 2025Pittsfield, MA	54°/55°	Light	49°
2024 Steel Rail 8K Pittsfield, MA · Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2024Pittsfield, MA	61°/63°	-	53°
2023 Steel Rail 8K Pittsfield, MA · Partly cloudy throughout the day with early morning rain. 2023Pittsfield, MA	53°/53°	-	45°
2022 Steel Rail 8K Partly cloudy throughout the day with late afternoon rain. 2022	79°/85°	-	68°

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