Distance: 14.50 mi
Type: Point-to-point, Road
Difficulty: 5 / 10
More Info: Visit Web Site
Address: Racing Underground, PO Box 7042,Golden, Colorado 80403
Phone: (303) 642-7917
Filed Under: Running
This is the perfect race for the runner who seeks the speed of the road and the beauty of the mountain wilderness that one would normally only find on a trail. Claiming to be (and quite possibly true) "North America's Highest Road Race", the race begins at Echo Lake (10,650 ft.) and ends 14.5 miles later at the Mount Evans Summit (14,264 ft.). This road is wide enough for two cars and a low enough grade that provides 'runability' - that is, if you can get enough oxygen!
From Denver, take Interstate 70 west to the second (out of three) exit for the town of Idaho Springs. This is Exit 241 A - It will also read 'Mount Evans'. Go South (left off the exit) onto Soda Creek Road. This road takes you gradually up to Mount Evans. At the campground at Echo Lake, you'll see the race start. There are volunteers who shuttle runners back down to Echo Lake afterwards, although if you have friends or family along for support, they can also drive up to meet you at the top (keep in mind the parking is very limitied at the summit, so consider carpooling).
Comments
tradkelly said ...
There has been a sporadic Mount Evans Trophy Run up the Mount Evans Road. It is billed as the world's highest road race. The race starts at the gate just beyond the parking lot at the junction of Colorado 103 and Mount Evans Road, and finishes in the summit parking lot. The distance is 14.6 miles. The men's record is 1 hour, 41 minutes, 35 seconds, and the women's record is 2 hours, 7 minutes, 14 seconds. Any male finisher under 2 hours, 40 minutes, and any female finisher under 3 hours receives a special trophy, usually a rock mounted on a plaque. Runners reveal a mountaineering appetite if they continue 300 feet past and above the summit parking lot to reach Evans' highest point.
sean said ...
Press Release: Mt Evans Ascent
Attention Interested Participants:
I regret to inform you that this years Mt Evans Ascent has to be cancelled. Unfortunately I don't have the time to organize the event this year due to other work commitments. I know this event is a favorite of a lot of yours, as it is a favorite of mine. I am sorry that it can not happen this year. I spoke with several folks who were willing to help out, but unfortunately none of them have the time to take over the primary responsibility of the race organization. I certainly do not want this to be an end to this event, and hope that next year myself and others will be able once again organize the Ascent.
While the official race will not happen, I would still like to plan an informal "get together" for a jog up Mt. Evans on June 19th. This is not an organized event, but rather a "training run." You will need to bring your own water/food and arrange your own transportation back down. You will also be responsible for yourself if there is a blizzard again! I plan to be off and running around 9am from the parking lot at the junction of Squaw Pass Road and the Mt Evans Road, if you are interested in joining me. I hope to see you there.
Sorry again for the bad news. I hope you keep training to stay in shape for next years race.
Take care,
Danelle Ballengee
event organizer
annie said ...
This race is one of my favorites! IT is well run, the age group prizes are nice (Stuffed rams whose collars have your age group place on it), and the feeling of accomplishment to run up to 14,000+ feet is unbeatable. Go for it!
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