The Telluride Mountain Run returns to the historic mining town of Telluride, Colorado on August 22nd, offering a challenging experience for seasoned runners in some of the most rugged terrain in the San Juan Mountains.
Participants will gather at dawn near the heart of Telluride's downtown area before setting off along old mining roads and singletrack paths that wind through alpine tundra. The route ascends to altitudes above 13,000 feet, navigating exposed ridgelines and rocky summits where safety personnel monitor potential hazards due to steep terrain and loose rocks.
Established as a tradition in the Telluride community since its inception, this event has garnered respect among mountain runners for its technical difficulty. The race attracts hundreds of participants annually who come from all over the United States to test their limits against nature’s most formidable landscapes. Over the years, it has become an essential part of Colorado's running calendar and supports local conservation efforts.
The course itself traverses a mix of old mining roads, singletrack trails, and stretches with no defined path at all. Runners will encounter significant elevation changes as they ascend and descend mountain passes, crossing high alpine meadows and narrow ridgelines. Aid stations are strategically placed along the route to provide essential hydration and energy replenishment.
Weather conditions in August around Telluride typically involve firm trails that may be slightly soft underfoot due to recent rainfall or moisture from melting snow at higher elevations. The UV index tends to hover near 7, indicating high sun exposure levels for runners on the course. Temperatures can vary widely throughout the day, with cooler mornings giving way to warmer afternoons and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
40 Miler
64.4K • Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $215.00
24 Miler
38.6K • Start: 05:30:00 • Fee: $175.00
65 Miler
104.6K • Start: 06:00:00 • Fee: $275.00
14 Miler
22.5K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $125.00
Hill Climb
Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $80.00
In addition to the main race distances, participants also have the option to take part in the Hill Climb event, which is less strenuous but still offers an intense challenge. Runners looking for longer routes will find options ranging from 14 miles up to the grueling 65-mile course.
Registration for the Telluride Mountain Run can be completed online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134220, where detailed information about each distance and its associated fee is available. Registration fees range from $80 for the Hill Climb to a maximum of $275 for the 65-mile route.
Bib pickup will take place at the Town Hall in Telluride on August 21st between noon and 4 PM, where participants must present their confirmation email or receipt. On race day itself, all runners should arrive early enough to familiarize themselves with the course layout before starting near the historic downtown area of Telluride.
The start location for the event is located in the heart of Telluride’s main street at the intersection of Broadway and Colorado Avenue. Participants must be prepared for high-altitude running conditions regardless of their chosen distance, carrying proper hydration supplies and appropriate footwear to handle both rocky terrain and steep inclines.
The Telluride Mountain Run concludes on August 23rd in Telluride, Colorado after two days of intense mountain racing that tests the limits of even the most experienced runners. This race is worth attending for its unparalleled technical challenge and stunning alpine scenery, making it a bucket list event for serious trail runners seeking an authentic high-altitude adventure.
