Sangre de Cristo Trail Festival

Overview

The Sangre de Cristo Trail Festival is a multi-distance trail running event held Saturday–Sunday, September 26–27, 2026 near Westcliffe, Colorado. The courses follow sections of the Rainbow Trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with the start/finish at Greenhorn / Music Meadows Ranch adjacent to the USFS Grape Creek Trailhead. Combined runner capacity is 350 and time limits vary by distance. Distances offered include:

• 100-Mile
• 100k
• 50-Mile
• 50k
• 27k
• 8-Mile

All finishers receive a unique finisher’s award; official 100-mile finishers receive a Sangre de Cristo belt buckle. HPRS does not provide podium or age-group awards, and no awards will be mailed.

Logistics and rules

Camping is allowed for tents, camper vans, roof-top tents, and limited trailers under 12 feet; tent campers must reserve space, and sleeping in vehicles is permitted free of charge. On-site parking is provided at the start/finish area. The event operates under permits from the U.S. Forest Service (San Isabel National Forest – San Carlos Ranger District) and two private landowners.

Specific rules include a mandatory eight-hour volunteer requirement for 100-mile entrants within a defined window or a $150 buy-out option. Mid-race drop-downs are permitted at designated points for eligible distances with check-in requirements (except when dropping into the 50k). Pacers are prohibited for the 8-Mile, 27k, and 50k; pacers for allowed distances must sign a waiver, wear a pacer bib, and carry a headlamp. The 100-mile field is limited to 50 runners and each 100-miler may have one crew vehicle with designated aid-station access; crew access rules apply to reduce congestion. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.