Kendall Mountain Run
Silverton, United States • 19 Jul 2026
Event Overview
The Kendall Mountain Run is a historic mountain running event held in the high-altitude town of Silverton, Colorado. Established in 1978 and inspired by a legendary local wager dating back to 1908, this race takes participants through the rugged landscape of the San Juan Mountains. The event features two primary distances:
- 12 Mile
- 11 KM
Course Details
The 12 Mile distance begins in downtown Silverton at an elevation of 9,318 feet. Runners follow jeep roads that ascend toward the summit of Kendall Mountain. The route includes a 300-foot vertical scramble to reach the peak at 13,066 feet. After tagging the summit, participants navigate a descent back to the finish line at Memorial Park.
The 11 KM course also starts in Silverton and follows the jeep road to a turnaround point at Deer Park, reaching a maximum elevation of 10,840 feet. This route provides a total elevation gain of 1,616 feet before returning to the town center.
Logistics and Sustainability
The race utilizes a cupless format to reduce environmental impact. Participants are responsible for carrying their own hydration containers, such as bottles or vests, to refill at aid stations. Aid stations are situated along the course, including locations at Deer Park and the Notch.
Participants have a 6-hour time limit to complete the courses. For those seeking a longer experience, the Mountain Duo Challenge allows runners to combine a Kendall Mountain distance with an event from the Silverton Alpine races held during the same weekend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.