Course Overview
The Ring the Springs 50K covers 31 miles through Colorado Springs' diverse terrain, starting and finishing at Rock Ledge Ranch in Garden of the Gods. With 5,115 feet of climbing and a 12-hour cutoff, this loop course moves runners through city streets, North Cheyenne Canyon, and trails in Pike National Forest before returning through the red rock formations. The route combines fast early miles on pavement with technical climbs and descents through forested canyon terrain. Runners hit a maximum elevation around 9,085 feet, so expect some altitude impact if you're not acclimated. The course includes both dirt trails and sections of pavement, with aid stations spaced roughly every 4-6 miles. June weather in Colorado Springs can be variable—mornings may start cool, but afternoon heat and potential thunderstorms are common. This race suits runners comfortable with sustained climbing and mixed surfaces who don't mind altitude. The combination of early road miles and technical trail sections requires adaptable pacing. If you prefer pure singletrack or struggle with elevation changes, this might feel more challenging than the distance suggests.