Collegiate Peaks Trail Run

The Collegiate Peaks Trail Run is celebrating its 36th anniversary on Saturday, May 2, 2026, solidifying its status as one of the most established and iconic trail events in Colorado. Founded in 1991, the race is staged out of the Buena Vista Community Center and offers a high-altitude challenge through the spectacular scenery of the Arkansas River Valley. The event is deeply rooted in the local trail community and utilizes diverse terrain managed by the National Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

Race Distance	Start Time	Total Elevation Gain	Course Format
50 Miler	6:30 AM	~7,000+ feet	Double Loop (CW then CCW)
25 Miler	6:45 AM	~3,500+ feet	Single Loop (Clockwise)

The geography of the course is defined by its high-elevation profile, starting at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Runners navigate a mix of technical single-track and rugged jeep trails, including sections of the historic Midland Railroad path north and east of Buena Vista. The 50-mile participants complete the first 25-mile loop clockwise before reversing direction for a second, counter-clockwise loop, providing a unique perspective of the Collegiate Peaks mountain range. In early May, the high-altitude climate of Chaffee County can be unpredictable; while daytime highs often average 16°C (61°F), mornings are typically below freezing, and lingering snow or spring mud can be present on the higher, shaded portions of the jeep trails.

Logistically, the event is headquartered at the Buena Vista Community Center, which serves as the hub for packet pickup and the finish line festivities. Registration for this anniversary edition closes on April 23, and the event historically draws a competitive field due to its longevity and reputation. The course record for the 50-mile distance has been held since 2012 by Marshall Thomson with a time of 6:35:28, followed closely by Ryan Burch's 2011 performance. The race remains a significant test of mental and physical stamina, requiring runners to manage the physiological stresses of high-altitude exertion over prolonged, rolling terrain.