Crested Butte Ultra

Crested Butte Ultra is held in Crested Butte, Colorado, on September 26, 2026. Organized by Mad Moose Events, the race offers three trail distances with staggered starts: a 50-mile at 6:00 a.m., a 55K (about 34 miles) at 7:00 a.m., and a 35K (about 21.7 miles) at 8:00 a.m. Crested Butte sits high in the Colorado Rockies, so every distance involves running at altitude with mountain terrain underfoot.

The 35K is the most accessible option and works as a first mountain trail race for runners who already handle half marathons. The 55K is a first ultra with an extra few miles beyond a standard 50K, and the 50-mile calls for previous ultra experience. Altitude is the main variable here: arrive early if you can, expect slower paces than at sea level, and train with sustained climbing and technical descending. A 16-week block with back-to-back long runs for the 50-mile and weekly hill work for every distance will prepare you for the effort.