Sawatch Ascent
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Sawatch Ascent
Sawatch Ascent is a high alpine 50K held in Nathrop, Colorado on September 27, 2026. The course gains about 7,000 feet of elevation, rising from roughly 8,200 feet to a high point of 13,150 feet, with an average elevation near 9,800 feet. The route is a large lollipop with one sustained climb and one sustained descent.
Most of the course is singletrack, including about 12 miles on the Colorado Trail. Trail type breakdown lists approximately 26 miles of singletrack, 4.5 miles of pavement, and 2.5 miles of gravel roads. The start and finish are at the base of Mount Princeton with views of the Sawatch Range and the Arkansas River Valley.
There are three aid stations not counting the start and finish; water and Tailwind are available at all stations and stations provide typical aid station fare plus additional treats. The event has an 11 hour cutoff and is capped at 250 runners. Camping at the start/finish is available for $15 per night with space limited to 35 spots.
Entries include a race shirt, finisher award, professional full resolution images, live runner tracking, and free drinks at the finish. Registration is listed as opening January 1, 2026 and closing February 1, 2026 with a registration fee of $129. The organizer permits a 50% deferral to the following year if requested by September 1; refunds are not offered though third party insurance may be available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
