Colorado resolution races and adventure events
When most people set New Years resolutions they set goals like "eat healthier", "lose 5lbs" or "exercise more often". While quite vague, these goals also lack a certain element of excitement to me.
My resolutions take a different shape, in the form of various adventures and races I'd like to accomplish before the year's end. l have compiled a list of some of my all time favorite events some of which I have completed and others that are still on my list.
I'd love to hear about yours too! I've included some great beginner friendly races plus some epic events worthy of mountain goat status.
Please post links to any events or adventures in the comments section below. Happy training!
Leadville Fat bike series, January-March:
Fat biking is an exciting sport appropriate for all levels. Imagine the feeling of floating along on white fluffy snow, without worrying about rocks, roots and the more technical elements of traditional mountain biking. Go further and see more during this exhilarating experience!
The historic town of Leadville Colorado hosts this series of fat biking races from Jan-March that are extremely scenic and fun.
-----> Learn more now HERE.
Snowshoe for the Cure 5k, March TBA:
Running at high altitude is one thing, how about a snowshoe race in the high Rockies? Strap on your snowshoes and join the Susan G. Komen Colorado Snowshoe for the Cure at the Frisco Nordic Center.
This fun, family-friendly event is a Colorado experience that brings together over 1,000 participants to stomp out breast cancer. This mountain town is magical in the wintertime, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and the iconic Lake Dillon.
-------> Learn more HERE.
Adventure Fest May 11th-12th
This action packed weekend includes the Fruita trail half, coined the world's most scenic trail half marathon and a 50k MTB OR gravel race through the rugged and colorful landscape of western Colorado.
Spring is the most beautiful time to visit the desert with cool mornings and sunny skies. This is a perfect early season run or ride.
BONUS! This year the event will be hosting a free women’s gravel clinic and group ride prior to the race.
-----> Learn more and sign up now HERE!
Ragnar Trail Relay, June 7th-8th:
This epic event in Snowmass CO is an adventurous introduction to a trail relay event through beautiful single track terrain through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The 24 hour relay entails team of 8 taking turns running loops on the mountain trails through lush forests, fields of wildflowers and epic views. The loops range from just 3-6 miles that are minimally technical with small elevation changes. Between laps, enjoy smores by the campfire, take a nap, grab a brew, catch a movie and enjoy the camaraderie of new friends in the camp.
-----> Learn more now HERE.
Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half, June 29th
These iconic races take trail runners through the historic mining district’s challenging trails to the highest point of any Leadville Race Series event: Mosquito Pass (13,185 feet). The scenery will literally take your breath away and the camaraderie on the course can’t be beat. This race is surely top on our event bucketlist.
—-> The race will sell out before February, view info and sign up HERE.
FIBArk, June 13th-16th:
2024 marks the 76th anniversary of FIBArk, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Every June during the spring snow runoff, "First in Boating on the Arkansas" commences.
The event has grown massively and now includes activities of all types including mountain biking and trail races for all levels, a variety of events on the water including a SUP race, a parade, golf tournament and pretty much everything under the sun!
Attending FIBark is a rite of passive for any Coloradan, native or new. Learn more HERE.
Lake Dillon SUP triathlon, July 12th:
This bucket list event includes stand-up-paddle boarding, mountain biking and trail running. The course is simply stunning with views of the surrounding snow capped peaks and fields of vibrant wildflowers- a 2k paddle across lake Dillon, 12k mountain bike, 5k trail run. The trails are intermediate level with some short, steep but sweet climbs and endless views.
——> Learn more and join the L2S crew training for and participating in the event HERE
Burro Racing!
The historic, legendary and somewhat mythic sport of Burro racing is a unique piece of Colorado history that should definitely be added to your resolution list or at the very least your bucketlist.
So what's the story behind burro racing?
The most recognized narrative goes like this: "two miners found gold in the same location and raced each other back to town to be the first to stake a claim to the find. Neither could ride their animal because of its load, so one of the basic rules of burro racing was established."
Others claim that burrow racing was born "when drunken miners in a Leadville bar sought a way to make some money in a less back-breaking manner than with pick and shovel." As according to the Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation.
Either way, the sport has fallen into the spotlight more recently as it has gained attention and popularity from Colorado trail runners who thirst for novelty and more adventurous challenges.
There are races throughout the summer in a variety of mining towns including Georgetown, Leadville and Fairplay. Most events include a short and long course option ranging from 15-30 miles respectively and typically involve climbing up and over a high mountain pass.
Rules dictate that each burro be equipped with a regulation pack saddle, packed with prospector's paraphernalia and must include a pick, shovel, and gold pan. The combined weight of these items must be a minimum of 33 pounds and following the example of the event's forebearers: no riding your burrow! It must be led by rope for the entire distance of the event, just hope you don't get a stubborn ass!
----> Learn more about Burro racing and view the event 2024 line-up now HERE.
Beti Bike Bash, TBA
Join the largest women's mountain bike event in the world! The Beti Bike Bash includes an industry expo where you nerd out on the latest gear, demo a new bike and purchase trendy apparel.
The main feature is a women's mountain bike race with options for all abilities, ages and experience levels including a Never Ever (first race), New Moms and youth categories which I love!
------> Learn more now HERE.
Camps and other events:
Trails in Motion film festival
A social night of drinks and inspirational trail running and mountain films! Spring/summer TBA soon! Follow the main page for updates HERE.
Desert Highlights trail running camp
May 10th-13th
Join the team with Becoming Ultra for a long weekend of trail running in the stunning desert landscape of western Colorado. Did we mention we will be staying in the heart of Colorado's wine country? Enjoy coached workouts, guided hikes/runs for all levels, recovery yoga class, winery bike tour and so much more!
BONUS: This year the camp includes an entry to participate in the Fruita Trail Half Marathon!
View details and save your spot HERE.
Training programs and groups:
Looking for some help training or want the camaraderie of training in a group? Check out some of the local options below!
Local co-ed group that meets weekly at different trails across the front range for social trail runs
Life’s 2 Short Fitness women’s trail running programs:
Weekly coached runs at trails across the front range!
Program options include Couch to Trails (train up to 5k), Beginner trail running program (train up to 10k), Training group (train for 1/2 marathon distance) and a new race team with free monthly social runs and more perks!
Dirt Mermaids:
Western Slope based women’s MTB group that organizes regular social rides, clinics and trail work.
COMBA Women’s program:
Women’s based front range mountain biking organization that organizes monthly social rides, maintenance clinics and more that give back to trail building and maintenance
Women Trail Runners of Colorado:
This group is for all women who want to learn more about trail running! Post your questions and let’s share resources, insights on training, gear and our adventures on the trail!
Women mountain bikers of Colorado:
Ditto but for women who love mountain biking or are new to the sport and want to learn more!
Life's 2 Short Fitness Mountain biking programs and club:
Women's beginner Mountain biking course and Mountain biking training group with coached and social group rides at different trails across the front range!
Ditto but for women who love standup paddle boarding or are new to the sport and want to learn more!
Community for Colorado women who enjoy hiking, backpacking, skiing, mountain biking, SUP and more! Free community events.
Website with insightful articles and posts highlighting women’s experiences and adventures in the outdoors. Check out the site to find a local chapter, most organize regular social group runs!
Additional resources:
These sites have great event calendars where you can find a database of most all trail races in Colorado and across the world plus additional information on training, gear, nutrition and more!
American Trail Running Association (ATRA):
Trail race calendar, newsletter, community advocate and annual trail running conference.
COMBA:
Non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy, trail stewardship and community building for the Front Range mountain biking community.
TONS of resources and events to learn more about Colorado wildlife, trail work/volunteer opportunities and listings of all Jefferson county parks and trails.
Trail Runner Volunteers:
Front range based group that hosts regular trail work opportunities between April-November to give back to your favorite spaces!
Articles with info on training, races, gear and more.
Discover new trails where you are! Articles + trail database, trails ranked by difficulty with reviews from local trail runners.
Mountain Bike project: find the best trails near you for mountain biking! This app ranks trails like a ski hill
~ Lauren Jones
L2S founder and adventure coach
Life's 2 Short Fitness organizes training programs and outdoor adventures for Colorado women.
Join us to train for and complete some of the above events and adventures with us this year! Learn more about becoming a member and our programs now HERE.