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 limited-field mountain ascent event held at Thumb Open Space in Estes Park, Colorado (elevation 7,522 ft). Participants run repeated out-and-back laps of about 2 km each, with roughly 540 ft of vertical gain per lap. At the turnaround runners collect a poker chip and deposit it in a jar; chips are counted at the end of the event to determine placing.
Patches are awarded for reaching 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.
Aid station details are announced closer to the event; competitors should expect a need for self-sufficiency appropriate to a mountain ascent format. All races are cupless; participants should bring a personal cup or may purchase a Running Wild reusable cup for $5. There is no parking at the trailhead, so participants must arrive by drop off, bicycle, or on foot.
Entry for the Vertical Challenge is listed at $100. Lodging partners in Estes Park offer runner discounts and participants are advised that accommodations can fill for the race weekend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
