Trail Running in Colorado
Colorado has 30 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. Most of the calendar falls in the warmer months: 20 of 30 races (67%) take place between May and September, with August (7 events) the busiest month. No single city dominates the calendar. Steamboat Springs leads with 3 races, followed by Salida (2), Fort Collins (2), and Leadville (2). The remaining 70% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in Colorado
Aug (7) · Oct (6) · Jul (5) · Sep (5) · May (2) · Feb (1) · Mar (1) · Jun (1) · Nov (1) · Dec (1)
Showing 24 of 30
Trail Running
Beas Knees Citizens' Race and National High School Trail Championships
July 25, 2026
Salida, CO
Trail Running
CKF Leadville Trail 100 MTB
Leadville, CO
Trail Running
CKF Leadville Trail 100 MTB
August 15, 2026
Leadville, CO
Trail Running
Mountain Marmot Trail Run presented by Durango Running Company
September 26, 2026
Durango, CO
Trail Running
Rim to Rim Royal Gorge Races: 5K Road Run, Trail 8 Mile, Trail Half Marathon
October 3, 2026
Canon City, CO
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.