Stories Trail Runs

Event overview

The Stories Trail Runs take place February 21-22, 2026 at Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs. The event has a combined runner capacity of 225. Race options include timed events and fixed-distance trail races. Camping around the main staging area is available; runners must have a State Park pass for the event.

Distances offered

• Stories 6-Hour - timed event on Red and Green loops
• Stories 15-Hour - timed event on four progressive loops
• 10k - 6.64 miles, 883 ft gain
• Half Marathon - 13.01 miles, 1,901 ft gain
• 20-Mile - 20.4 miles, 2,770 ft gain

Course and format

Timed events use multiple distinct loops rather than a single short loop. Loop distances and gains are: Red 2.81 miles (354 ft), Green 3.72 miles (493 ft), Blue 5.68 miles (802 ft), Purple 7.38 miles (1,121 ft). The 15-hour sequence totals 19.59 miles with 2,769 ft of gain per full sequence. The 6-hour sequence uses Red and Green for a 6.53-mile sequence (847 ft), repeatable for longer totals. A short Gold loop (0.81 miles, 83 ft) is used during the final hour of timed races.

Logistics and rules

Every loop starts and finishes at the main aid station and staging area at Swift Puma Campground. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish and may be accessed between loops; abandoned bags are removed after the event. Crews are not allowed. Pacers are permitted only for runners aged 60 years or older. All finishers receive a finisher award; there are no podium or age-group awards. Organizers may alter the course or cancel the event for safety or trail conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.