North Fork 50 Mile
Buffalo Creek, United States • 30 May 2026
Event Overview
The North Fork 50 Ultras is a trail running event held in Buffalo Creek, Colorado, southwest of Denver. The event offers two distances:
- 50 miles (with approximately 6,425 feet of elevation gain)
- 50K (31.1 miles, with approximately 3,670 feet of elevation gain)
The course is 100% on soft surface trails, consisting primarily of singletrack with some short double track sections. It takes place in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area within the Pike National Forest. The route passes through areas affected by a 1996 fire and through ponderosa pine forests and granite rock formations. The altitude ranges from approximately 6,700 to 8,535 feet.
Key Details
The event date is Saturday, May 30, 2026. The 50-mile race has a 14-hour time limit and the 50K has a 13-hour time limit.
Aid stations along the course provide hydration and food, with some offering restrooms, crew access, or drop bag service. Crews are allowed only at designated aid stations (Shinglemill, Buffalo Creek, and Rolling Creek for the 50-mile; Shinglemill and Buffalo Creek for the 50K). Pacers are not allowed on the course, though family or friends may join a runner for the final mile on the road to the finish.
Parking is available adjacent to the start/finish area at the Buffalo Creek Clubhouse, with overflow parking at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. The event includes a finish line festival with food, drinks, and an awards ceremony. All finishers receive a commemorative award, with special awards for the top three male and female finishers in each distance. A portion of the race proceeds benefits the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.