Niwot's Challenge

Niwot's Challenge

Niwot's Challenge is an invitation-only, navigational ultrarunning event held near Sedalia, Colorado, along the South Platte River. The event for 2026 is listed as the 13th annual edition with a runner capacity of 40. Organizers describe it as not a race but a trial of human potential with an unpublished course and non-digital Sacred Waypoints; participants must retrieve unique codes from those waypoints to complete the route.

The course combines long stretches of off trail navigation, occasional dirt road, and faint trails. Aid is minimal and participants are expected to be largely self-reliant. No GPS is allowed on the course; phones are permitted for emergency use only. Mandatory items include a course map, whistle, emergency blanket or bivy, headlamp or flashlight, at least 2 liters of water, a light jacket, and sufficient calories for 12 hours. Official updates and event communications are distributed via an online group hub.

Distances and formats include:

• Burn loop: ~24 miles, +10,000′/-10,000′, 16-hour limit, no aid.
• Chief's loop: ~50 miles, +20,400′/-20,400′, 30-hour limit, very limited aid.
• Deity: ~100 miles, +40,800′/-40,800′, 60-hour limit, very limited aid.

Entry follows a specific application window and a selection order that fills a 40 person field, with a waitlist if applications exceed capacity. Historical data lists 194 attempts, 30 Chiefs, and no Deitys to date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.