Distance: 17.20 mi
Type: Point-to-point, Trail
Difficulty: 8 / 10
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Filed Under: Running
The Imogene Pass Run (IPR) is a 17.2 mile point-to-point mountain race within the western San Juan mountains of Colorado, run along a route which connects the towns of Ouray (7810 ft.) and Telluride (8820 ft.) by way of 13,120 foot Imogene Pass. The IPR is held on the first Saturday after the Labor Day holiday, at the seasonal transition from late Summer to early Fall. Mountain weather at this time is famously "squirrelly" (rapidly changeable), and participants through the years have encountered a variety of weather conditions ranging from virtually perfect to terrible. This spectrum of weather during the race is in fact part of its lure and mystique. In good weather years the challenge of the mountainous traverse is rewarded by unsurpassed vistas and no small feeling of accomplishment upon crossing the finish line. In bad weather years, the wind, fog, rain and/or snow along the course make the successful arrival in Telluride a virtual rite of passage into the realm of true mountain running.
So just how does one get to Telluride from Ouray via Imogene Pass? In a sentence: The runner moves from Main Street, Ouray, 5.5 miles up the Camp Bird road to the Lower Camp Bird mine; then 4.5 miles up the Imogene road past the Upper Camp Bird to the Pass; then 7.1 miles down the Tomboy road to Telluride.
This race starts in the town of Ouray. You can park your car in Telluride and catch a shuttle to the start. Or vice vera ... If I remember correctly.
Comments
sean said ...
I have only done this race one time, but it was a blast. I would probably do it more but I never can get my race entry in on time. If you want to do this race, don't dawdle - get on the mailing list so you know when the race entry is available. It fills up quick!
Dave said ...
Despite rain the previous two days, weather conditions on race day were perfect. The pre-race dinner and orientation in Ouray were quite helpful. We received a mile-by-mile description of the course with photos that eliminated any surprises and left everyone sober.
The initial 10 mile uphill climb to 13,000 ft elevation had most runners walking the inclines and shuffling the few flat sections. The mantra, "Incessant forward motion" proved to be absolutely necessary toward the top. The 7 mile downhill to the finish was pretty technical because of the stones and gravel in the jeep road. However, even non-elite runners descended fast enough to have leg pain for days!
Both Ouray and Telluride are beautiful towns with friendly people, excellent accommodations and spectacular scenery. Be sure to visit Box Canyon City Park in Ouray and stp by the "door" in the rock wall just outside Ouray and the coking ovens on the way toward Denver.
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