24 Hours of Palmer Lake 2026

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.