North Fork 50 Mile
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North Fork 50
The North Fork 50 takes place on May 30 in Buffalo Creek, Colorado. The event offers two trail distances and runs almost entirely on soft surfaces and singletrack trails, with a few short sections of double track road.
- 50 Mile
- 50K (31.1 Miles)
The course passes through areas burned in the 1996 Buffalo Creek fire, then returns into ponderosa pine forest and around granite rock formations. The 50 Mile course lists about 6,425 feet of total elevation gain and a maximum elevation of 8,535 feet. The 50K lists about 3,670 feet of total elevation gain and a maximum elevation of 8,150 feet. The 50K is a single-loop course.
Aid stations are placed along the course with varying offerings; drop bags will be available at the Buffalo aid station. Crew access in 2026 and beyond is limited to Buffalo Aid only; crew must park inside Meadows Group Campground and walk to Buffalo Aid, and parking along roads is prohibited. Pacers are not allowed, but friends and family may run the final mile along Buffalo Creek Road with a runner.
Course markings use orange and black polka-dot ribbons and orange pin flags; blue and white checkered ribbons indicate the wrong way. A portion of race proceeds benefits the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department and other local organizations. All finishers receive a commemorative award and top three male and female finishers in each distance receive special awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
