For the 7th year, we are excited to bring back this incredible trail race hosted at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland, Colorado. This beautiful private ranch provides a one-of-a-kind race experience with stunning scenery and challenging terrain.
Runners will enjoy exclusive access to the trails at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, where the views alone are worth the run. The course features a variety of terrain that will challenge and inspire runners of all abilities.
Race Distances
Participants can choose from six race options:
Friday Evening
10K – 5:00 PM
5K – 5:30 PM
Saturday Morning
12-Hour Solo
12-Hour Relay (2-person or 4-person teams)
6-Hour
4-Hour
Saturday races all start at 7:00 AM.
Ranch Access
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch requires a $5 ranch access fee per person, per day for anyone entering the property (participants and spectators).
Meals
All runners receive one meal ticket.
Additional meal tickets can be purchased for:
Friends or family attending
Runners who want an extra meal
12-Hour Solo runners receive an additional meal ticket.
Finisher Awards
Finisher awards will be given for:
5K
10K
4-Hour
6-Hour
12-Hour
12-Hour Relay
📸 Picture of the finisher awards coming soon!
Aid Station
There will be one main aid station located at the start/finish area.
Available throughout the race:
Water
Electrolyte Drink Mix
Finish line food including burgers, chips, Coke, and/or beer
Additional items available for Saturday participants:
Ramen
Cookies
Candy
Coke
Ginger Ale
And more
Relay Team Rules
Each team member must complete at least one full lap.
The fastest final full lap will be used as a tie-breaker if needed.
Hot Lap
The Hot Lap opens one hour before your race ends.
This option allows runners to complete a partial lap if they do not believe they can finish a full lap before the race cutoff.
Course Closures
All runners must be off the course by 7:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday.
With 30 minutes remaining in your race, runners will not be allowed to pass the big loop turn and will be directed to the Hot Lap instead.
Course Rules
Pacers are not allowed on the course.
Anyone without a race bib is not allowed on the course.
Earbuds and headphones are not allowed.
Suggested Gear List
Trail shoes
Tweezers (in case you find a cactus 🌵)
Gaiters
Water bottle (this is a cupless race)
Headlamp
Trekking poles
Extra socks
Possibly an extra pair of shoes (Saturday runners will encounter multiple creek crossings)
Any other gear you personally need for your run
Stay at the Ranch
If you’d like to make a weekend of it, consider staying at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. They offer incredible cabins and lodging right on the property.
👉 Click HERE to view lodging options.
There may even be a surprise waiting Sunday morning for those staying overnight… details coming soon!
Race First Stop (FAQ)
Parking
Is parking available?
Yes! There is plenty of parking available at the ranch.
Friday parking opens at 4:00 PM
Saturday parking opens at 6:00 AM
Please do not arrive early. The ranch staff will still be finishing up work and our volunteers will not be in place yet.
Race Shirts
Am I guaranteed a race shirt?
To guarantee a race shirt, you must register by March 10th.
We do order extras, and you will see available inventory when registering. If we run out of shirts, we always have other swag available.
Please note:
Packet pickup must happen before your race starts.
Any packets not picked up after the start of the race will no longer be available.
Shirt colors may vary depending on supply availability.
Cupless Event
We are aiming to be as cupless as possible.
Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or reservoir for the event.
Race Day Registration
Is there race day registration?
No. All registration must be completed online.
Cell service at the ranch is very limited, so we will not be able to process registrations on site.
Registration deadlines:
Friday races: Midnight on April 3
Saturday races: Midnight on April 4
If you have questions, please message us directly.
Weather Policy
Will the race be canceled due to weather?
No. The race will take place rain or shine.
Cold, snow, wind, or rain will not cancel the event.
Lightning may cause a delay, but the likelihood is very slim.
Dogs
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at this event.
Camping & Lodging
Can I bring an RV or trailer to camp?
No. RVs and trailers are not allowed.
However, you may camp in:
Tents
Cars
Trucks
Vans
Camping fees:
$25 — General camping
$35 — Premium camping near the start/finish area
Camping can be added during registration.
Prefer lodging instead?
You can stay at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, but space is limited and available first-come, first-served.
You can also book additional ranch activities such as:
Horseback riding
Other guest ranch experiences
Military & First Responder Discount
If you are a Veteran or First Responder, please contact us for a discount code.
Thank you for your service.
Packet Pickup
Friday Events
Packet pickup: 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
10K runners must pick up by 4:45 PM
Saturday Events
Packet pickup: 6:15 AM – 6:45 AM
12-hour and 6-hour runners must pick up by 6:45 AM
Please plan accordingly so you are ready before your race start.
Drop Bags
Runners participating on Saturday will have access to a designated drop bag area.
Course Rules
Pacers are not allowed
Headphones and earbuds are not allowed
Anyone without a bib is not allowed on the course
Awards
5K
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
Top 3 Masters Male
Top 3 Masters Female
Awards include gift cards from local businesses and custom awards
10K
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
Top 3 Masters Male
Top 3 Masters Female
Awards include gift cards from local businesses and custom awards
4-Hour
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
Awards include gift cards from local businesses and custom awards
6-Hour
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
Awards include gift cards from local businesses and custom awards
12-Hour Solo
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
Awards include gift cards from local businesses and custom awards
12-Hour Relay (4-Person Teams)
Top 3 Teams
Awards include gift cards from local businesses and custom awards
12-Hour Relay (2-Person Teams)
Top 3 Teams
Awards include gift cards from local businesses
Tie Breakers (4HR / 6HR / 12HR)
If needed, placements will be determined by:
Total miles completed
Fastest final lap time
If you are needing any outdoor sports or equipment, use this link to shop at Scheels. 5% of purchases will go to our scholarship fund! This scholarship will be awarded to a local senior. The first scholarship will be awarded in the spring of 2024.