Collegiate Peaks Trail Run 50 Mile

A double-loop challenge starting and finishing at the Buena Vista Community Center, tracing historic Midland Railroad trails through National Forest and BLM lands north and east of town. Runners complete the first 25.3-mile loop clockwise, then immediately reverse direction for a counterclockwise second lap. The course climbs from the Arkansas River valley at 8,000 feet to nearly 9,400 feet, featuring five aid stations per loop, a snow-melt creek crossing that ranges from ankle-deep to thigh-high depending on spring runoff, and the notorious two-mile Lenhardy Hill grind. No pacers or crew are permitted — only a drop bag at the midway turnaround.