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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Sage Burner Trail Race 50K

Basic Listing
  1. One Love Endurance Events
  2. 2026 Edition

A deceptively tough high-desert 50K on Gunnison's mountain bike trails

Directions
DeadlineOctober 03, 2026
Register

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All trail races in Colorado→
October 03, 2026
Saturday 8:00am MDT start
Gunnison, CO
United States
31.1 miles
Loop Course
4,100 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebook
2009
Established

What Makes It Great

A deceptively tough 50K through the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area outside Gunnison, Colorado. The course winds along mountain bike singletrack, technical slickrock sections, and doubletrack roads across a high desert plateau at 7,700–8,500 feet elevation. Sage-covered hills offer panoramic views of the Maroon Bells, San Juan Mountains, and Gunnison Basin, while the relentless rolling terrain and punchy climbs at altitude make this race harder than the modest elevation numbers suggest.

Difficulty

Intermediate
5/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Technical Terrain
Sun Exposure
High Altitude
Variable Weather

Race Highlights

High desert at 7,700+ feet
The entire course sits above 7,700 feet in the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, where altitude makes every climb harder
Mountain bike singletrack
Runs primarily on purpose-built mountain bike trails with technical slickrock sections and smooth singletrack
360-degree mountain views
Panoramic views of the Maroon Bells, San Juan Mountains, and Gunnison Basin from the sage-covered hills
Deceptively tough course
Relentless rolling terrain and punchy climbs at altitude make this race harder than the elevation profile suggests

Finish Awards

Finisher Medal
Commemorative finisher's medal for all finishers
BOCO Gear Running Hat
Sage Burner Trail Race branded BOCO Gear running trucker hat for all participants
Top 3 Place Awards
Awards for top 3 male and female finishers in each distance

Sage Burner Trail Race 50K

Gunnison, CO, United StatesOctober 03, 2026

October 03, 2026
Course map for Sage Burner Trail Race 50K
DistDistance31.1 mi
GainElevation Gain4,100 ft
LimitCutoff8 h
Terrain Technical Terrain
Sun ExposureHigh AltitudeVariable Weather

Entry Timeline

Race DayRegistration DeadlineOctober 03, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.

Terrain

Technical Difficulty4/10

Moderate trail conditions with some technical sections

Surface Types
Singletrack60%
Doubletrack25%
Gravel Road15%
31.1 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
8h
Cutoff Time
8,130 ft
Average Elevation
4,100 ft
Total Ascent
4,090 ft
Total Descent
8,517 ft
High Point
7,697 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.07,723 ft
Backdoor
Aid Station
5.07,976 ft
Josie's
Aid Station
9.67,844 ft
Powerline
Aid Station
13.68,199 ft
Powerline
Aid Station
15.38,199 ft
Bambi
Aid Station
18.88,376 ft
Josho's
Aid Station
22.88,304 ft
Josho's
Aid Station
26.58,304 ft
Start/Finish
Finish
30.87,720 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

Dogs Allowed

Dogs not permitted on course per insurance requirements. Allowed at start/finish area only if leashed and kept 20+ feet from runners.

No on-site camping available

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

No Pacers Allowed

Crew Rules

No Crew Allowed
Weather

Early October in Gunnison brings crisp fall conditions at 7,700+ feet. Expect morning temperatures in the 30s–40s°F warming to the 50s–60s°F by midday. Afternoon weather can shift quickly with potential for sleet, wind, or even snow at this time of year. The high desert terrain offers little shade, and UV exposure is significant at altitude.

Cold/Hypothermia Risk

Morning temperatures can dip into the 30s°F at race start

Rapid Weather Changes

Conditions can shift rapidly in early October — sleet, wind, and snow are possible

High UV Exposure

High desert terrain with minimal shade at 7,700+ feet elevation

Gear Rules

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Race Reports

Race Read: Sage Burner 50K – Gunnison, CO – 1st Place
By Endurance Changes Time • 2015
Sage Burner 50K Race Report
By PB Runner • 2012

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Register•October 03, 2026