| 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.
May 02, 2026
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
06:30
$170.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 40.2K
Type — Running
06:45
$140.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Buena Vista.
Learn more about the host city, Buena Vista.
Buena Vista is a town in Chaffee County, south central Colorado. Although there's not much to the town, its setting between the Arkansas River and Sawatch Range, highest range of the Rocky Mountains, is magnificent, and it is a good jumping-off point for many kinds of outdoor recreational activities.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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location_on Buena Vista, Colorado, US
calendar_today May 09, 2026
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