Cougar Ridge Classic 26K
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Cougar Ridge Classic 26K and Cougar Cub 14K : Vail to Minturn trail races
The event is a point to point trail running race that starts in Vail, Colorado and finishes in the Town of Minturn. The course crosses Vail Mountain with views of Mount of the Holy Cross and runs through aspen groves and high‑alpine terrain.
Distances
- Cougar Ridge Classic 26K, 16.1 miles (25.9K)
- Cougar Cub 14K, 8.9 miles (14.3K)
The longer course includes a sustained climb on Cabin Trail and Kinnickinnick Trail to Mid‑Vail and Wildwood, then traverses Vail Mountain toward Eagle’s Nest before descending across Game Creek Bowl and Cougar Ridge Singletrack into Minturn. True course figures for the 26K are elevation gain 3,439 feet, elevation loss 3,795 feet, high point 10,979 feet and low point 7,830 feet. Running surface is primarily singletrack with sections of dirt, gravel and paved road.
Aid support includes five staffed stations with water, pre‑mixed electrolytes supplied by Skratch Labs, energy chews and bars, and a mix of sweet and salty snacks. Aid Station #3 is roughly the halfway point and the second half has limited trail access.
Additional event features noted by the organizer include shuttle service between Minturn and the start, gear bag transport with pre‑labeling required, a lunch voucher for participating Minturn restaurants, and cash awards for top elite finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
