Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge
The Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge is a timed mountain event held at Thumb Open Space in Estes Park, Colorado. The event uses a repeating out-and-back trail where each lap is 2 km with 540 ft of vertical gain. At the turnaround, runners collect a poker chip and deposit it in a jar; laps are repeated until the event ends and chips are counted to determine placing.
Patches are awarded at specific ascent milestones: 14 ascents (Estes Park, 7,522 ft), 18 ascents (Deer Mountain, 10,103 ft), and 26 ascents (Longs Peak, 14,259 ft). A special award is given to the overall winner.
Field size is limited to 40 participants. Registration opens on September 1, 2026. There is no parking at the trailhead; participants should arrange drop-off, bicycle access, or run to the start. Aid station details will be 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 Running Wild reusable cup for $5 during registration. Entry fee for the Vertical Challenge is $100. Lodging partners listed for the event include Quality Inn, Expedition Lodge, and Estes Valley Vacation Rentals, with special rates or discounts noted for runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
