Trail Running & Running Races Near Ouray

Trail running near Ouray is very popular during the summer and fall.  Numerous trails exist from town that treat runners to delightful overlooks, long ridges, aspen forests and steep ascents.  Runners interested in well marked trails with variable terrain need only look to some simple loop runs.  The Portland Trail combined with a hike to a scenic overlook makes a great loop while others such as the Silver Shield trail can be either out and back or combined with the Oak Creek trail and/or the Twin Peaks trail for longer stretches.  You can purchase a trail map at the hotel or directly from the Ouray Trails Group.

2012 will be the inaugural year of the Ouray Race Series.  This race series will include 6 races between May and October and includes  the Mt. Sneffels Education Foundation 1/2 and full marathon run in August.  The 1/2 marathon starts at the Ouray Hot Springs Park and winds through Ouray to County Road 17.  This mostly downhill course ends in Ridgway.  The marathon course will begin in Ridgway and run to Ouray and then backtrack.  In Ridgway, following the runs, you will be treated to the 28th Annual Ridgway Rendezvous, a spectacular art and craft show in Hartwell Park with music and beer.  In 2012, these events will take place on August 11.   Online registration is available.

If trail running is your idea of entertainment, Ouray is home to two serious trail running events in the summer and fall.  The Imogene Pass Run occurs the second Saturday of September each year and is a 17 mile run from Ouray to Telluride up and over Imogene Pass which tops out over 13,000 feet.  This run is not for the untrained or faint of heart and draws 1500 runners yearly.  The Hard Rock 100 is in mid July each year and this ultra trail run connects the towns of Telluride, Silverton, Lake City and Ouray.  In 48 hours or less, runners go up and over a 14er (Handies Peak) and put 100 miles under their feet as well as visit these old mining towns.  Needless to say, this one is for the truly fit.

The Mt. Kendall half marathon is in its 35th year in 2012.  The race is July 21.   It is a run up Kendall Mountain from the town of Silverton and then back down for a total elevation change of 3800 feet one way!  You can turn this run into a full blown marathon by doing the course twice and this is the 3rd year that they have opened it up to participants to complete a total of an 8000 ft. climb and an 8000 ft. descent.