Prepare for an invigorating winter challenge at the Sourdough Snowshoe Race, set for January 31, 2026, in scenic Nederland, Colorado. This classic backcountry event offers participants a choice of 18K or 30K distances, promising a difficult yet rewarding experience through the snow-covered Roosevelt National Forest. Runners will ascend to a high point of 10,000 feet, navigating a course known for its steady climbs, exhilarating downhills, sidehills, and turns, all while surrounded by stunning lodgepole forests, grassy meadows, and picturesque drainages with occasional "peak-a-boo" views of Mt. Niwot. The entire race unfolds on un-paved, marked trails, with orange tape and blue diamonds guiding the initial segment, and pink tape and flags marking the additional loop for 30K competitors. Snowshoes are mandatory for the entirety of the race, adding to the unique winter adventure, and typical race day conditions often present crisp highs around 28°F and lows near 12°F, with a low chance of precipitation.

The Sourdough Snowshoe Race stands out for its emphasis on camaraderie, nature, and the pure joy of running, fostering an atmosphere where personal achievement often supersedes data-driven metrics. Starting and finishing at the South Sourdough Trailhead near the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station, participants will check in and pick up their bibs directly at the trailhead beginning at 8:00 AM, with the race kicking off at 8:30 AM. An aid station at the 18K turnaround point, located at Brainard Lake Road, provides hot and sweet Sport Tea, GUs, and granola bars. Racers are required to carry 20 ounces of liquid and 600 calories of nutrition, and 30K runners must check in twice at the aid station. This event operates on a donation basis, with a suggested contribution of $35, upholding its tradition as a cherished, community-focused backcountry challenge.