When is The John Cappis?

The John Cappis takes place on Jun 27, 2026. That's in 1 month.

Where is The John Cappis located?

The John Cappis is held in Silverton, Colorado, United States.

What distances are available at The John Cappis?

The John Cappis offers the following distances: 19HR, 50K.

How do I register for The John Cappis?

You can register for The John Cappis through the official registration page.

What is the typical weather for The John Cappis?

Based on historical data, you can expect temperatures between 51°F and 81°F on race day. There's approximately a 7% chance of precipitation.

The John Cappis (50K-19HR) - Jun 27, 2026 | Silverton, CO

The John Cappis, held on June 27, 2026, in Silverton, Colorado, is less a race and more a formidable mountaineering expedition, designed to push the boundaries of endurance runners. This unmarked, largely off-trail 50K course is a true test of self-reliance, with an astonishing 19,000 feet of elevation gain as it summits numerous peaks around Silverton, reaching heights of at least 13,300 feet. The terrain is a relentless mix of rugged scree slopes, boulder fields, river crossings, exposed ridges, and even avalanche chutes and snowfields, demanding careful navigation with a provided GPS track. Runners should anticipate averaging a mere 1 to 2 miles per hour through the high-altitude San Juan Mountains.

Dubbed "not a normal run," The John Cappis honors ultrarunning pioneer John Cappis, a co-founder of the legendary Hardrock 100, and is celebrated for its extreme difficulty. Historically, only about one-third of starters manage to complete the full distance within the generous 19-hour cutoff, with many elite ultrarunners simply aiming to conquer sections and make it out safely. Participants must be members of the Sky Pilots Endurance Navigators and possess extensive mountain experience, including proficiency in off-trail travel, navigation, and assessing rapidly changing alpine weather conditions. Essential gear like an ice axe and traction devices may be mandatory depending on annual conditions, reflecting the seriousness of this high-alpine endeavor.

Starting in Silverton at 9,300 feet, the event emphasizes self-reliance, offering only minimal support with basic calories and fluids at a couple of checkpoints. Typical race day conditions in late June see comfortable highs around 81F and lows around 50F, with a low 7% chance of precipitation, though mountain weather can be unpredictable. Finishers are greeted with brats and veggie brats, encouraged to bring a dish or drink to share, fostering a unique, communal atmosphere that celebrates the shared ordeal of confronting one of the world's most challenging 50K courses.