Colossal Vail 50/50

Vail, United States • 5 Dec 2026

High Desert Ultra Running

The Colossal Vail 50/50 is an ultra running event held on portions of the Arizona Trail near the community of Vail, positioned approximately 24 miles southeast of Tucson. The event starts and finishes at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. The courses utilize sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail located between Saguaro National Park and the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains.

The terrain consists of high desert landscapes with rolling paths. The event was designed by the Tucson Trail Runners to provide a fast trail experience. This race serves as the first event in the Southern Arizona Triple 50 series.

Participants can choose from several distances:

  • 50 Miles
  • 55K
  • Half-Marathon

The event follows a cupless policy to reduce environmental impact. Runners are required to bring their own hydration vessels or purchase reusable cups at the event, as open cups are not provided at aid stations. The race provides stocked aid stations along the route, emergency communications, and food for participants at the finish line.

Accommodations are available through local lodging options in the Vail area. The routes are set on expertly built trails that offer wide-open vistas of the surrounding desert environment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 mi
50 Mile
55 km
55k
13 mi
Half-Marathon
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Experience the trails of Catalina State Park with a choice of 13.1 mile or 5.3 mile distances. Enjoy a desert course featuring stair climbs followed by a Mexican breakfast and professional race photos in Tucson.

Experience a fun and messy outdoor adventure featuring a several mile course with 12 mud-filled obstacles. This non-competitive event at Old Tucson is perfect for groups and includes a lively post-race party.

An evening road run at Sabino Canyon on April 11, 2026 offering a 7.4 mile out and back and a 2 mile fun run. The 7.4 mile includes aid stations, a sub 19 minute per mile pace cutoff, event shirts, and finish-line food.

Trail marathon, half marathon and 10K across the valley between the Santa Rita and Rincon Mountains, following the Arizona Trail. Bus transport to starts, stocked aid stations and finish-line food, with proceeds supporting the Arizona Trail..