North Fork 50 Mile

North Fork 50 Mile / 50K : Buffalo Creek, Colorado

North Fork 50 is a trail ultramarathon held in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area in the Pike National Forest, roughly 50 miles southwest of Denver. The event offers two primary distances:

• 50 Mile
• 50K (31.1 miles)

Both courses are 100% soft surface and consist mostly of singletrack with a few short double-track road sections. The route passes through ponderosa pine forest, open burn areas from the 1996 Buffalo Creek fire, and near notable granite rock formations. The 50K is a single-loop course. Key course statistics: the 50 Mile route lists about 6,425 feet of total climb and a maximum elevation near 8,535 feet; the 50K lists about 3,670 feet of climb and a maximum elevation near 8,150 feet.

Aid stations are placed along the courses and offer water and food at many locations; one early station is water only. Some aid stations allow crew access and drop bags, while others have limited or no parking. The course is marked with orange-and-black polka-dot ribbons and orange pin flags; blue-and-white checkered ribbons indicate the wrong way. All finishers completing their registered distance receive a commemorative award, and special awards are given to the top three men and women in each distance. A portion of race proceeds benefits the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department, with additional beneficiaries listed for the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.