A 50-mile test of high-alpine grit through the Colorado San Juans
Other trail races within 51 miles
The Ouray 50 Mile Endurance Run follows the back half of the 100-mile course, starting at noon at Fellin Park and traversing rugged San Juan singletrack through high alpine terrain southwest of Ouray. With nearly 24,000 feet of gain packed into 51.9 miles and a high point of 12,308 feet, it rivals the difficulty of most 100-mile races. Key sections include the Weehawken/Alpine Mine Overlook, Hayden Trail, Crystal Lake, Old Twin Peaks, Silvershield, Perimeter Trail, Chief Ouray Mine, and the Bridge of Heaven. A 24-hour cutoff allows little margin for error.
Experienced ultrarunners
Ouray, CO, United StatesAugust 29, 2026
Must meet custom qualifier requirements within the qualification window
Qualifying window: January 01, 2025 – August 29, 2026
Same standards as the 100-mile event: 50 miles in under 11 hours; OR 100K finish; OR 100M finish; OR 55 miles in a 12-hour timed event; OR 90 miles in 24-hour timed event; OR finish at a comparable mountain 50+ race; OR prior Ouray 50 or 100 finish within last 3 years.
Complete 8 hours of volunteer service at a trail ultramarathon or performing physical trail work prior to the race (exact deadline for the 50M not confirmed — likely August 1, 2026). Alternatively, make a $100 donation to Ouray Trail Group. Submit proof via the Service Form linked at ouray100.com.
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Fellin Park Start | 0.0 | 7,697 ft |
Weehawken Aid Station | 3.5 | 8,750 ft |
Weehawken Aid Station | 8.7 | 8,750 ft |
Crystal Lake Aid Station | 15.7 | 9,606 ft |
Fellin Park Aid Station | 24.4 | 7,697 ft |
Silvershield Trailhead Aid Station | 30.6 | 7,641 ft |
Fellin Park Aid Station | 34.6 | 7,697 ft |
Fellin Park Aid Station | 41.3 | 7,697 ft |
Fellin Park Finish | 51.9 | 7,697 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Course spends significant time above 11,000 ft with a 12,308 ft high point; average elevation is 9,490 ft
Afternoon and evening thunderstorms possible in late August; exposed ridgeline sections require careful timing
Nighttime temperatures at altitude can drop to near freezing; mandatory gear includes emergency Mylar blanket
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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