Course Overview
The Ring the Springs 100K covers 64 miles with 11,065 feet of climbing through the Colorado Front Range in June. Starting at Rock Ledge Ranch in Garden of the Gods, the course winds through North Cheyenne Cañon before making a substantial climb to the high point on Mount Rosa at 11,488 feet—expect more than 6,500 feet of that total gain concentrated between miles 11 and 29. The route moves through a mix of terrain, from historic neighborhoods and city parks in the early miles to technical trails in Pike National Forest. Much of the middle section involves sustained climbing on forest roads and singletrack, with limited shade at higher elevations. The descent from Rosa leads to another climb up the Columbine Trail before the final return to Garden of the Gods. Aid stations are well-spaced, with drop bag access at Rosemont (mile 34) and Captain Jack on both passes through (miles 11 and 53), and pacers allowed from Old Stage (mile 39) onward. This race suits runners comfortable with extended climbing at altitude and variable mountain weather in late June. The 22-hour cutoff requires maintaining roughly a 20-minute-per-mile pace overall, though the demanding middle section will slow most runners considerably. Those who struggle with sustained climbs or altitude may find the Mount Rosa section particularly challenging.