North Fork 50 Mile

Event overview

The North Fork 50 Ultras take place Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Buffalo Creek, Colorado. The race offers two distances:

• 50 Miles
• 50K (31.1 Miles)

The course lies in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area within the Pike National Forest and starts and finishes along Buffalo Creek. The route is described as entirely soft surface, composed mostly of singletrack with a few short double-track sections. Parts of the course pass through areas burned in the 1996 Buffalo Creek fire and through ponderosa pine forest and granite rock formations. A portion of race proceeds benefits the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department; other beneficiaries named for the event include ProjectPurple.org and Conifer’s StageDoor Theatre.

Course and logistics

Key statistics for the courses are provided by distance. For the 50 Mile event the total elevation gain is listed as 6,425 feet with a maximum elevation near 8,535 feet and a 14-hour time limit. For the 50K the total elevation gain is listed as 3,670 feet with a maximum elevation near 8,150 feet and a 13-hour time limit. Aid stations range from water-only to full hydration and food offerings, with named locations including Colorado Trail, Shinglemill, Tramway, Buffalo, Rolling Creek, Homestead, and Finish. Crews are allowed at limited aid stations; pacers are not allowed, though family or friends may accompany a runner into the final mile. Drop bags are available at the Buffalo aid station. The course is marked with orange-and-black ribbons and orange pin flags; blue-and-white checkered ribbons mark the wrong way. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.