Mt Sopris Run-off

Mt. Sopris Run-off : Overview

The Mt. Sopris Run-off is a pair of point-to-point trail races near Carbondale, Colorado. The event offers two distances and finishes at Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt. The races begin at Flying Dog Ranch on Prince Creek Road and use single-track trails on the flank of Mt. Sopris. The event is presented as part of a trail festival weekend and has historically been associated with the Town of Carbondale’s Mountain Fair Weekend. The published race fee is $80.

Distances

• 10-Mile - point-to-point from Flying Dog Ranch to Rock Bottom Ranch.
• 25k - point-to-point from Flying Dog Ranch to Rock Bottom Ranch.

Course and logistics

Both courses share the same opening section: 1.75 miles on Prince Creek Road (pavement and dirt), 0.35 miles on Prince Creek Trail, then 0.50 miles on Christmas Tree. At 2.60 miles the route reaches a climb of 725'. Runners then traverse North Porcupine (about 2.7 miles), continue on Outie (about 1.0 mile), and reach Buckhorn at mile 6.30. The Buckhorn section descends roughly 500' over 2.4 miles, then another 500' via switchbacks for about 1.3 miles to the Rio Grande Trail. The 25k diverts onto Buckhorn Traverse for 4.0 miles with a final 450' climb into Glassier Trail, then a 2.3-mile descent losing 800' and a 1.5-mile Rio Grande Trail approach to the finish. Racers must reach the third aid station by 11 A.M. Parts of the operation are on public lands under a U.S. Bureau of Land Management special permit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.