Cheyenne Mountain Run

Cheyenne Mountain Run - Cheyenne Mountain State Park

The Cheyenne Mountain Run is a set of trail races held at Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs. The event offers three distances that use the Limekiln Trailhead and the local trail network.

• 25K: ascent to the top of Cheyenne Mountain and return.
• 10K: counterclockwise loop on South Talon with return via Sundance Trail.
• 5K: loop via Sundance, Turkey Trot Trail and Talon.

All races start from the Limekiln Trailhead and initially follow the Talon Trail. Starts are staggered by distance and races are chip timed with timing at the start and finish; the 25K includes an on-course split near the top of the Mountain Loop Trail.

The 25K begins near 6,000 feet elevation, reaches roughly 9,450 feet, and has about 3,450 feet of total elevation gain and loss. Its route follows Talon and North Talon to the Dixon Trail, then the Mountain Loop Trail to a clockwise loop before returning on Dixon, North Talon and Talon. The Dixon Trail is mostly single track; hiking poles are not allowed. There is a cutoff at the Dixon saddle on the ascent and runners who miss the cutoff will be turned around. Aid stations are located at Talon/Sundance, Talon/North Talon, a lower Dixon location, and at the top of the Dixon Trail; runners should be prepared to carry their own hydration between some stations.

The event is a fundraiser for the Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park; all profits support trail projects and park programs. The 25K is a Pikes Peak Ascent qualifier and its registration is limited to 400 entries; the 5K and 10K have no entry limits. Packet pickup is available before race day at the park Visitor's Center and on race morning. Awards include overall and age-group prizes, and finishers receive a commemorative medal for the event anniversary. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.