Pat's Pony Express
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Pat's Pony Express
Pat's Pony Express is a trail running event at Rampart Reservoir on Saturday, August 14, 2027. The event offers two distance options:
- 8 miles
- 16 miles
The course is an out and back with a loop on rolling single track dirt trails. In places the trail is rocky and has exposed tree roots. Elevation on the route ranges from about 9,000 to 9,400 feet with roughly 1,500 feet of total elevation gain and loss. Runners follow the Rainbow Gulch Trail, a loop on the north side of the reservoir that includes the Schubarth Trail and Forest Service Road 307, then return to the Rainbow Gulch Trail. The route is not open to the public; the US Forest Service granted special permission for this event.
Entry is limited to 150 participants. There is no race day registration and all entries must be completed in advance; registration closes on August 5. Entry fees differ for members and non members for each distance.
There are two aid stations providing water only, and participants are encouraged to carry their own hydration and nutrition. The course will be well marked and course marshals will direct participants. Each finisher receives a finisher horseshoe and five randomly selected finishers will receive a one year membership to the hosting running club.
Parking at the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead is very limited. Organizers advise using Woodland Park High School or Forest Service Roads 950 and 951 for parking with a roughly quarter mile walk to the start. Parking guides will be on site. The event lists several restrictions including no animals, no baby joggers or strollers, no earbuds or headphones, and no bikes or trikes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
