Whether you’re up for a fun 5K or ready to conquer a challenging 100-miler, consider signing up for a race in the majestic Colorado Rockies. The scenery alone will leave you breathless (in a good way!)
Colorado’s mountain resorts are chockfull of adrenaline-pumping running, biking and whitewater events all summer long. There are races for everyone, from weekend warriors to hardcore ultra-athletes. So, lace up the running shoes, clip into the bike pedals, or start paddling, and make these epic events the highlight of your summer vacation. And if you’d rather take in the awe-inspiring surroundings from a camp chair, grab your cow bell and cheer from the sidelines!
Let's get the summer started in the Vail Valley! What started as a local whitewater event in 2002 has grown over the the past 20+ years into the most celebrated festival of adventure sports, art and music. Each year, thousands of pro and amateur adventure athletes of ALL ages (and dogs!) converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail to compete in 11 adventure sport disciplines and more than 30 competitions.
One of Colorado's most iconic trail running series, The Vail Trail Running Race Series is not to be missed. The series has taken runners up trails, over mountains, through forests and over streams in and around Vail for the past 24 years. The courses are challenging for the elites and enjoyed by the beginner trail runner alike. Run them all or just one. Distances vary from 5K to 13K.
You get to be in a parade! This classic mountain bike race starts off the 4th of July parade and festivities in Breckenridge. Then you'll hit the trails and ride some of the best single-tracks in the area. This race has become a staple on the Colorado mountain bike racing calendar.
For the 9th year, the entire family can come out for one or all of the races throughout the summer: June 17, July 1, July 15, and July 29. It's an entire evening of fun at the Frisco Adventure Park. There are three distances:
- Mini Goats (suggested for kids 4 and under): .5 – 1.0 mile course
- Junior Goats (suggested for kids 5 to 8): 1.5 – 2.0 miles course
- Senior Goats (suggested for kids 9 – 13): 5k (3.1 miles) course
The Emerald Mountain Epic presented by Hard Headed attracts some of the nation's best mountain bike and trail running racers, while still offering incredible opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to test their meddle. The race is a uniquely rewarding and challenging experience in that it is 90% singletrack with major elevation gains.
These spectacular 100 and 50 mile courses go up and up and up Mount Werner to 10,568 feet elevation; then up and down and up and down, then across the Continental Divide and some hops through the town of Steamboat. Both courses will test the endurance and spirit of any runner, whether you're a tortoise or a hare!
