Ultramarathons in Colorado
Discover ultramarathon and trail running races across Colorado. Browse upcoming events, view course maps, and explore race results.
Rattler Trail Race 25K
The Rattler Trail Race 25K covers 15.5 miles through Palmer Park in Colorado Springs this April, featuring nearly 1,900 feet of climbing on technical singletrack trails. Despite the modest elevation gain, the course demands attention as runners navigate sandstone formations and technical terrain at around 6,300-6,600 feet elevation. The route winds through one of Colorado Springs' premier trail systems, offering views of Pikes Peak and the city below as you move between exposed sandstone bluffs and more sheltered sections. Much of the course follows challenging singletrack that weaves around unique rock formations, with three aid stations positioned strategically along the way. April temperatures can vary significantly, and the technical nature of the trails means steady footing takes precedence over speed. This race suits runners comfortable with technical terrain who don't mind moderate altitude and potentially variable spring weather. The course rewards careful navigation over raw speed, making it ideal for trail runners who enjoy problem-solving their way through rocky, technical sections rather than grinding out big climbs.
24 Hours of Palmer Lake
The 24 Hours of Palmer Lake is a timed ultramarathon where runners complete as many laps as possible on a short 0.82-mile loop course over 24 hours, from 8 AM Saturday to 8 AM Sunday. Set at 7,240 feet elevation on Colorado's Palmer Divide, the course offers mountain views but little variation in terrain or scenery as you circle the same route dozens of times. The format strips away most trail running variables—no navigation, minimal elevation change per loop, and constant access to crew support and aid at the single station. What remains is a pure test of endurance and mental fortitude as you rack up miles in short increments. The high altitude adds a cardiovascular challenge, especially for runners not accustomed to elevation, while the repetitive nature can be either meditative or maddening depending on your mindset. This race appeals to runners looking to test distance limits without technical terrain, those training for longer events, or anyone curious about the mental game of loop running. If you need varied scenery or challenging terrain to stay engaged, the repetitive nature might feel tedious. Runners comfortable with their own thoughts and motivated by accumulating miles will find this format oddly compelling.