The race is intended to be a difficult yet fun donation-based backcountry event that tours the winter wonderland surrounding the Brainard Lake area. Given the ever-changing trail conditions during our Colorado winters, keep an eye out for emails close to the race in the event of a large storm that necessitates any event changes. Snowshoes will be required for this race. All racers are required to carry 1L of fluid and 600 calories of nutrition.

Racers must wear or carry their snowshoes for the entirety of the race regardless of the snowpack!

We will be doing bib pick-up, check-in, and race day registration at the South Sourdough Trailhead (near the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station off the Peak to Peak Highway CO 72 on County Road 116). Please arrive by 8:00 to pick up bib and check-in. Carpool is encouraged. Ski traffic is RAGING once again so plan your commute appropriately. Race begins at 8:30 am.


Racers begin from the South Sourdough Trailhead parking lot (start line) head north on the trail to Brainard Lake Road. There, the 18K racers will turn around at Brainard Lake Road and return to the South Sourdough Trailhead (finish line). The 30K racers will continue across Brainard Lake Road following the Sourdough Trail loop and returning back to Brainard Lake Road and then on to the South Sourdough Trailhead (finish line). Note: if you are running the 30K, the cutoff to Brainard Lake Rd is 11:00 AM on your way OUTBOUND towards the lollipop. If you reach there after 11:00 AM you will be directed to turn around with the 18K runners. Please make sure that if you are downgrading that you are checking in with the aid station at the Brainard Lake turnaround so that we know where you are. You will not be listed as a DNF, we will just list your finish as an 18k.


The aid station will have hot and sweet Sport Tea, water, granola bars, bacon, and some other goodies. More importantly, we will have a Solo Stove and chairs and blankets for runners who want to warm up.

There is (at best) spotty cell phone service in Nederland. Please put the address to the South Sourdough Trailhead into your direction-finder before you leave in the morning so you will know where to find us.

This year we will also be hosting a small finish line "hangout" with a warming tent, propane fire pit, and hot cider or cocoa.

Start: South Sourdough Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BrMBQoZXHvA6mc7S6 

Distance: 18k & 30k

Start Time: 8:30am 1/31/2026

Cost(These are suggested donation amounts):

18K:

$35

30K:

$45