The Standhope Ultra Challenge, set for July 25, 2026, in the stunning Pioneer Mountains of Ketchum, Idaho, offers an unparalleled test of grit and endurance amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. Runners can choose from formidable distances: the challenging 30K, the demanding 60K, or the ultimate backcountry epic, the 100-mile race. This event is renowned as Idaho's highest-elevation trail race, promising not just a physical challenge but an unforgettable journey through technical trails, rocky ridges, and pristine wilderness. Typical race day conditions in late July feature highs around 89°F and lows around 49°F, with a minimal 1% chance of precipitation, though mountain weather can always change rapidly.

The courses are meticulously designed to push participants to their limits. The 100-mile race, a true test of resolve, features over 23,000 feet of climbing and reaches a dizzying high point of 11,000 feet as it circumnavigates the Pioneer Mountain Range. The 60K, an alpine grinder, delivers over 9,000 feet of vertical gain across 37.2 miles, showcasing massive climbs, high ridgelines, and serene mountain lakes. Even the 30K, while shorter, is a genuine mountain race covering the second half of the 60K course, with over 4,300 feet of climbing on remote, rocky trails and an average grade of 325 feet per mile. Runners will traverse 95% unpaved trails, experiencing panoramic views of jagged peaks, deep green timber, and vibrant meadows.

Dubbed "a new definition of pain and suffering" by past participants, the Standhope Ultra Challenge is not for the faint of heart, with many seasoned ultrarunners finding themselves tested to their breaking point. Aid stations, though fully stocked with essentials like Tailwind and other food items, are strategically placed due to the remoteness of the courses, requiring runners to be self-sufficient and prepared for long stretches without support. All finishers receive a unique, handcrafted award, with 100-mile finishers earning a custom belt buckle, a hard-earned token of triumph from one of Idaho's toughest mountain ultras.