Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge

Estes Park, United States • 6 Dec 2025

The Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge is an 8-hour ascent race held in Estes Park, Colorado, on the Thumb Open Space trail. Participants repeatedly run a 1 km out-and-back course with a 540-foot elevation gain per ascent. Runners collect poker chips at the turnaround point to track their completed ascents, which are counted at the finish to determine placements. Unique patches are awarded at milestone ascents corresponding to notable local peaks: Estes Park (7,522'), Deer Mountain (10,103'), and Longs Peak (14,259'). The event is limited to 30 participants, offering a challenging vertical endurance experience in a scenic mountain setting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

1 Km Out and Back With 540 Ft of Ascent
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Estes Park's Backyard Ultra is a unique ultramarathon held in Estes Park, Colorado, featuring scenic views of Lake Estes. Participants run a 4.252-mile loop on a paved bike trail with a 150-foot elevation gain per lap at 7,522 feet elevation. The race follows the Backyard Ultra format, where runners..

The Sunset Trail Running Festival takes place in Gold Hill, Colorado, offering trail races of 28K, 12K, 5K, and a Kids 1K. Starting and finishing at the Gold Hill Inn, courses traverse varied terrain including dirt roads and trails through ponderosa pine and aspen forests, with scenic views and chal..

The Timberview Trail Run is an annual trail running event held at Lory State Park in Bellvue, Colorado. Celebrating its sixth year in 2025, the race offers three distances: 5K, 5 mile, and 10 mile, catering to all levels from beginners to experienced trail runners. The scenic courses feature foothil..

The Boulder Rez Marathon, held at Boulder Reservoir in Boulder, Colorado, offers a scenic and mostly flat course with only 200 feet of elevation gain. Runners enjoy trails and dirt roads alongside the reservoir, with stunning views of the water and the Rocky Mountains. The event features multiple di..

The Lory Summer Trail Series is a welcoming midweek trail running event held every Tuesday in August at Lory State Park, Fort Collins, Colorado. It features four races with distances ranging from 5K to 12K, designed to accommodate both new trail runners and experienced racers seeking to improve spee..

The Eltuck Valley 5K is a trail running event held at Lory State Park in Bellvue, Colorado. Scheduled for August 5, 2025, it is the first race in a four-race midweek summer trail series designed for both new and experienced trail runners. The 5K course is noted for being the fastest and flattest of..