WILD Wahatoya Runs

Event Overview

The WILD Wahatoya Runs is a trail running event taking place near La Veta, Colorado. It runs through parts of Colorado history with views of the Spanish Peaks, also known as Wahatoya, a name meaning "Breasts of the Earth" from Native American tribes. The event partners with the towns of La Veta and Cuchara for their annual October Fest celebration. The finish line is at the Cuchara Yacht Club, where there is a festival with a local brewer providing finish line beers, live music from local talent, and food.

Distances and Courses

The event offers three distances that traverse through the San Isabel National Forest:

• 50K (32.4 miles): Starts at La Veta High School. The course winds through the town of La Veta, onto a rugged, out-of-commission county road with views of dikes, buttes, and mountains, and finishes on trails into the Cuchara Yacht Club.
• Heavy Half Marathon (14.6 miles): Starts on private property near Cuchara. The course includes the Dike Trail and other local trails, passing the Cuchara Ski Resort, and finishes at the Cuchara Yacht Club.
• 8ish Mile (7.6 miles): Starts on the same private property as the heavy half. The course primarily uses the Dike Trail, featuring a climb on shaded trails and switchbacks, and finishes at the Cuchara Yacht Club.

All courses share the same finish from the south trailhead of the Dike Trail into the Cuchara Yacht Club. Different distances have different start lines.

Event Details

The event date is Saturday, September 26, 2026. Registration fees are listed as $100 for the 50K, $75 for the Heavy Half Marathon, and $50 for the 8ish Mile. A shuttle service will run from the finish line parking to the 50K start on the morning of the event. Participants receive a custom finisher award, Trail Trash stickers, and samples from various partners. A finisher beer is provided. Race shirts are available for separate purchase.

Rules and Information

Participants must follow a "leave no trace" principle; picking up trail trash is encouraged. Runners must stay on the marked course, be kind to others, and check in at manned aid stations. No dogs or pacers are allowed on the course. Crew can only provide aid at designated main aid stations. Wildlife in the area includes black bears, elk, deer, and foxes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.