Never Summer 100Km

Event Details

The Never Summer 100km & 60km is a mountain trail running event scheduled for July 24-26, 2026. It is organized by Gnar Runners. The races start and finish at the Gould Community Center in Gould, Colorado. The event takes place almost entirely within State Forest State Park, touring the northern Never Summer Mountains, Cameron Pass, and the southern Medicine Bow Mountains.

Course Description

The course is described as a mountain race in the truest sense. It features extended periods of high alpine ridge running and visits two alpine peaks and multiple alpine lakes. Runners can expect a huge variety of terrain, including cross-country, jeep and logging roads, alpine trail, meadows, streams, mud, and boulder fields. The average elevation is about 10,220 feet, with a minimum of 8,450 feet and a maximum of 11,852 feet.

Distances available:

• 100km (65.7 miles), with approximately 14,500 feet of elevation gain.
• 60km (39.2 miles), with approximately 8,100 feet of elevation gain. A "Dirty Double" option to run both races is also offered.

Aid Stations and Logistics

There are several aid stations along the courses, with the longest stretch without aid being 11.4 miles from the start to the first station. Aid stations stock items such as sports drink, gels, water, ice, salty snacks, fruit, sweets, soda, sandwich rolls, and potatoes. Later stations offer hot food like grilled cheese, soup, and ramen. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are typically available.

Drop bags are allowed at designated aid stations. Crew access is permitted at specific aid stations for both distances. Pacers are allowed for the 100km race from the Canadian or Bockman aid stations, and from Ruby Jewel for runners over 60.

Registration and Rules

Registration caps are set at 625 total participants, with 325 spots for the 100km and 300 for the 60km. The time allowance is 24 hours for the 100km and 15 hours for the 60km. Runners must check in at aid stations and are responsible for ensuring their bib number is recorded. If a runner drops out, they must notify the nearest aid station or volunteer.

Required gear includes a jacket, warm hat, gloves, a whistle, and water capacity of at least 32oz/1L. A light is required for the 100km race. Pacers are not allowed to carry gear for their runner outside of aid stations. A Colorado State Parks Annual or Day Pass is required for crew vehicle access to the park.

Schedule Overview

A pre-race check-in is available on the Thursday and Friday before the races. The 60km race starts on Friday morning, and the 100km race starts on Saturday morning. There are intermediate time cut-offs at various points on the course. Awards for the 60km are presented on Friday afternoon, and a post-race breakfast and awards for the 100km are held on Sunday morning. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.