Colossal Vail 50/50
Vail, United States • 6 Dec 2025
Event overview
The Colossal Vail 50/50 takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, near Vail, Arizona. It is presented by Fleet Feet Tucson and uses sections of the Arizona Trail east of Tucson, with the start and finish at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Distances offered include:
- 50 Mile
- 55K
- 13 Miler (day)
- 13 Miler NIGHT (night)
The Colossal Vail 50 Miler is the first event in the Southern Arizona Triple 50 series. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each event. Every ultra finisher receives an engraved railroad spike; half-marathon finishers receive a wooden finisher award. Daytime and nighttime half-marathon courses are separate, and runners who complete both receive a special award and may be eligible for registration discounts.
Course, support, and logistics
The courses run on high desert trail between Saguaro National Park and the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains, with rolling, well-built trail and open vistas. The run starts at La Posta Quemada Ranch within Colossal Cave Mountain Park. There are five aid stations along the route, four of which are used twice by runners. Skratch Labs is listed as the official hydration sponsor.
The event is cupless to reduce waste; reusable collapsible cups are available for purchase. The organizer notes Africanized bees can be prevalent in some years and recommends that participants with bee allergies bring appropriate medication. There are lodging options in Tucson and some guest houses and ranches in Vail; camping near the start/finish is encouraged. No refunds are available; registration credit may be transferred at 75% value if cancelled at least two weeks before the event, or 50% value if cancelled within two weeks. A pre-race dinner is offered the night before for a stated fee and menu. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.