Ultramarathons in Fruita
Discover ultramarathon and trail running races in Fruita, Colorado. View course maps, elevation profiles, and explore race results.
Discover ultramarathon and trail running races in Fruita, Colorado. View course maps, elevation profiles, and explore race results.
The Kessel Run Ultra 40 Miler takes place each November in Fruita, Colorado's North Desert, offering runners 40 miles of high desert singletrack with around 4,100 feet of elevation gain. The course starts on fast, flowing trails before working toward the more demanding terrain of the Zippity-Do-Da Trail, where the climbing becomes steeper and more technical. Running at around 5,000 feet elevation, you'll move through classic Colorado high desert landscape with sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains and Colorado National Monument. The route features a mix of smooth singletrack and more challenging sections with sharp ups and downs, particularly as you encounter the Zippity trail system. November typically brings cool, crisp conditions that many runners find ideal for longer efforts, though desert weather can be unpredictable. This race suits runners comfortable with moderate elevation gain spread over substantial distance, and those who don't mind technical sections mixed with runnable terrain. If you prefer consistent, predictable climbing or need frequent crew access, this might not be your best fit—crew is only allowed at the finish line. Runners who enjoy varied desert singletrack and can handle sustained effort over rolling, sometimes technical ground will likely find this course engaging.
The Kessel Run Ultra 50 Miler takes place in November in Colorado's North Fruita Desert, featuring multiple loop segments that bring runners back through the start/finish area several times throughout the race. With around 5,200 feet of total elevation gain spread across the 50-mile distance, the climbing comes in manageable chunks rather than massive sustained efforts. The course starts on fast, flowing singletrack through high desert terrain before working toward the more technical sections, including the Zippity-Do-Da Trail with its steeper climbs and descents. Runners will move through varied desert landscapes with views of the San Juan Mountains and Colorado National Monument, though the focus stays on navigating the technical singletrack that Fruita is known for. The loop format means you'll become familiar with key trail sections, which can be helpful for pacing and navigation as fatigue sets in. Runners who enjoy technical singletrack and don't mind desert conditions will find this appealing, especially with November's cooler temperatures compared to summer desert racing. The multiple distance options mean there's energy from other runners throughout much of the day. Note that this is a cupless event, so you'll need to bring a reusable cup for aid stations.
The Kessel Run Ultra 50K takes place in November in Fruita, Colorado's high desert, offering 31 miles with about 3,400 feet of elevation gain. The course starts on fast, flowing singletrack before transitioning to the more demanding Zippity-Do-Da Trail with its steep climbs and descents. Runners will move through classic Colorado high desert terrain at around 5,000 feet elevation, with views of the San Juan Mountains and Colorado National Monument. The route combines smooth, runnable sections with technical ups and downs, and November typically brings ideal running temperatures to this exposed landscape. Aid stations are spaced throughout the course, though this is a cupless event requiring runners to carry their own reusable cups. This race suits runners comfortable with moderate elevation and varied desert terrain. The mix of fast singletrack and technical climbing rewards those who can shift gears between smooth running and grinding climbs. Runners seeking their first 50K or those who prefer less extreme elevation profiles will find this course challenging but manageable.
The Kessel Run Ultra 20 Miler takes place in November in Colorado's North Fruita Desert, offering a manageable introduction to the area's renowned singletrack trails. The course covers about 2,000 feet of climbing over varied high desert terrain at moderate elevation around 5,000 feet. Runners start on fast, flowing trails before encountering the more technical climbs and descents of the Zippity-Do-Da Trail section. The route moves through classic Colorado high desert landscape with long views toward the San Juan Mountains and Colorado National Monument. November typically brings crisp, clear conditions—ideal running weather without the summer heat that can make desert running challenging. Four aid stations provide water, electrolytes, and standard trail food, though this is a cupless event requiring runners to carry their own cup or bottle. Runners comfortable with moderate climbing and technical terrain will find this a solid stepping stone into longer ultra distances. The 20-mile format lets you experience Fruita's trail character without the full commitment of the longer distances offered at this event. Those seeking a flat or highly runnable course might want to look elsewhere—the terrain here rewards patience on the climbs and confidence on the descents.
The Kessel Run Ultra 10 Miler takes place in early November in the North Fruita Desert outside Fruita, Colorado. This trail race features about 1,086 feet of climbing over fast-flowing singletrack that transitions into the more challenging terrain of the Zippity-Do-Da Trail. The course starts around 5,030 feet elevation and climbs to roughly 5,500 feet, moving through high desert landscape with views toward the San Juan Mountains and Colorado National Monument. Runners can expect the initial miles on smooth, runnable singletrack before encountering steeper ups and downs as the route progresses. November typically brings cooler temperatures at this elevation, though conditions can vary. This distance works well for runners comfortable with moderate climbing on technical terrain who want to experience Fruita's trail system without committing to the longer ultra distances. The 8:30 a.m. start means you'll likely finish during pleasant morning or midday conditions. Note that this is a cupless event, so bring a reusable cup or bottle for the aid stations.