The Pilgrimage

Overview

The Pilgrimage is a timed, multi-route ultramarathon in the high desert near Mack, Colorado. The event is limited to 45 runners and runs for a 150-hour window. There are both crewed and uncrewed divisions; pacers are never allowed. The uncrewed overall winner receives lifetime free entry to the event. Registration closes on Wed, Apr 15 at 11:59 PM MT.

Course, format and rules

The event uses five off-pavement routes that start and return to a central home base. Each full set of five routes is one "Journey." Runners must complete at least four full Journeys to avoid a DNF, which is about 220 miles in the 150-hour period. Route order changes by Journey and can be predetermined, drawn by straw, assigned by arrival order, reversed, chosen by the runner, or run from shortest to longest, depending on the Journey. Runners must carry separate GPX files for each course and know how to use them; organizers will not assist with navigation. One aid station at the home base provides hot and cold food, limited drink options, and a small collapsible cup is issued at registration. There is no on-site medical team; porta potties and a portable shower will be available. Crewed runners may use up to two onsite vehicles; one RV per runner is allowed. Course details and routes may change before race day per permit or land manager requests.

Distances

• Green route - 6.7 miles, 581 ft gain
• Orange route - 11.3 miles, 1,219 ft gain
• Red route - 11.9 miles, 1,537 ft gain
• White route - 12.6 miles, 1,397 ft gain
• Blue route - 12.8 miles, 1,174 ft gain

Totals per Journey = 55.3 miles, 5,908 ft gain. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.