High Lonesome 100

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Embark on an unforgettable 100-mile journey through the heart of Colorado's majestic Sawatch Range with the High Lonesome 100, set for July 17, 2026. This challenging loop course, starting and finishing at the base of Mount Princeton, is a true test of endurance, featuring a staggering 23,300 to 23,500 feet of vertical gain and an average elevation of over 10,400 feet, with its high point reaching a breathtaking 13,100 feet. Runners will traverse 27 miles of the Continental Divide Trail and 35 miles of the iconic Colorado Trail, winding through soaring ridges, idyllic meadows, remote basins, and even two historic ghost towns, St. Elmo and Hancock. Prepare for typical race day conditions with highs around 81°F in the valleys and cooler temperatures at altitude, dropping to around 57°F overnight, with a 10% chance of precipitation.

The High Lonesome 100 is renowned not only for its rugged, high-altitude terrain—including sections of ankle-cracking talus and exposed alpine singletrack—but also for its exceptional community spirit and innovative approach to ultrarunning. Established in 2017, the race quickly gained a reputation as a Hardrock 100 qualifier and a supremely well-organized event, largely thanks to its dedicated race director and a cadre of world-class volunteers. What truly sets it apart is its unique 50/50 male/female lottery split, fostering a more equitable and welcoming space in the sport.

Aid stations along the course, often themed and captained by 100-mile race veterans, are legendary for their enthusiastic support, with Hancock at mile 49 famously dubbed "Carnage City" for its pivotal role at the halfway point. Finishers within the generous 37-hour cutoff are rewarded with a coveted cowboy buckle, a testament to conquering this high-altitude sufferfest amidst some of North America's most spectacular mountain scenery. Runner reviews consistently laud the awe-inspiring views, the unwavering support from volunteers, and the profound sense of accomplishment derived from completing this challenging and meticulously run mountain race.

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