Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge
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Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge
The Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge is a single day mountain ascent event held at Thumb Open Space in Estes Park, Colorado, at about 7,522 ft elevation. The format is repeating out and back laps on a 2 km trail with 540 ft of vertical gain per lap. At the turnaround, runners collect a poker chip and deposit it in a jar on return. Laps are repeated until the event ends, and chips are counted to determine placing.
The field is limited to 40 participants. Registration opens September 1, 2026. Entry fee for the Vertical Challenge is $100. No parking is available at the trailhead; participants are expected to arrange a drop off, ride a bike, or approach the start on foot.
Patches are awarded at three ascent milestones: 14 ascents for the Estes Park patch (7,522 ft), 18 ascents for the Deer Mountain patch (10,103 ft), and 26 ascents for the Longs Peak patch (14,259 ft). A special award is given to the overall winner.
Aid station details are announced closer to the event, and self sufficiency is expected for an event of this nature. All races are cupless; participants may bring their own cup or obtain a reusable cup during registration for an additional fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
