Sawatch Ascent 50k
Nathrop, Colorado, United States
Sep, 2027 (TBD)
50k
Race Information
A classic, high-alpine, vert-heavy Colorado 50k!
Get some miles on the Colorado Trail and run all the way to 13,150 feet in elevation! Starting and finishing at the base of Mount Princeton, runners are treated to panoramic views of the Sawatch Range and the gorgeous Arkansas River Valley. The race runs in a large lollipop and is essentially one long 7000' foot climb and one long 7000' descent. The beginning and end have a mix of dirt and paved roads, but the middle is 25 miles of uninterrupted singletrack, including 12 miles on the Colorado Trail. Yet, despite the amount of vert this course is surprisingly runnable, especially for a runner with mountain experience.
Runners will have 10 hours to complete the course. For the added challenges, you can attempt the Sawatch 50/50 by running the West Line Winder and the Sawatch Ascent over the same weekend. The Sawatch Ascent is put on by Freestone Endurance, the same folks who bring you the legendary High Lonesome 100.
Related Events
West Line Winder 50k
Date: Sep, 2027 (TBD)
Size: 100 - 500 participants
Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
Sawatch Ascent 50k
Date: Sep, 2027 (TBD)
Size: 100 - 500 participants
Location: Nathrop, Colorado
👍 Run Pick of the Month: Zion Half Marathon
📍 Squamish - Saturday February 27, 2027
😄 Why We Like This Run
✅ Breathtaking national park views
✅ Smooth, gentle route
✅ An unforgettable atmosphere
Lace up for 13.1 miles through the heart of Utah's red rock country. Starting on Kolob Terrace Road in Virgin, Utah, this gently rolling, point-to-point course follows the Virgin River, just two major turns stand between you and the finish, as towering sandstone walls and endless desert views build with every mile.
It's bold. It's beautiful. It's unforgettable. And it ends right where the adventure should: at Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale, staring at the South Entrance of Zion National Park. Beat the 10/31 price increase!
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Race Facts
Race Size: 100 - 500
Elevation: Lots of Hills
Course Type: Trail
Boston Qualifier: No
Kids Run: No
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