Trail Running Update

My summer trail running training has been going well, my most recent race was the Holy Cow Trail Stampede 10k where I finished with a PR time of 46:55! My next planned race is on September 5th, 11.5 miles up Bergen Peak in Evergreen which ought to be pretty grueling given there is 1,750 ft. of elevation gain.

The ultimate goal for the summer is the Pony Express 15 mile race in Woodland Park, CO on September 20th. However, I just got an update on another series of runs near Denver for the fall that look pretty interesting:

The Fall Front Range Trails Series: three great trails, Sept – Nov, all in the front range.

• Sept 20, 6th Golden Gate Canyon Trail 1/2-Marathon. 12.7mi with 2,500′ of climbing. As good as any course in the state, this course will challenge your body and stimulate your senses. Held between 8,400′ – 9,500′, run on everything from steep and rocky, to smooth and fast, through alpine meadows, and pine and golden aspen forests (great fall colors), with gorgeous views of the continental divide. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 15mi W of Golden.
• Oct 18, Buffalo Creek Trail Run. 7.5mi with ~1,300′ of climbing. Come discover why many mtn bikers consider these the best trails in the front range. Starting along the S Platte river, at 6,800′, run on forested dirt trails, on a mix of flat, steep and rolling terrain. With pretty good footing, you can really fly on the downhills (I’ve hit sub-4:00 pace on one section). Pine Valley Open Space Park, Pine, 25mi SW of Morrison.
• Nov 21, Bear Creek 10-Spot. 10mi. Just because it’s almost winter, doesn’t mean that you have to quit racing trails. A two loop course, mostly on single and double track, over a series of short (30 sec – 3 min), and sometimes sometimes steep, climbs and descents. There may be a water crossing or two. Bear Creek Lake Park, Morrison.

Registration and more details at http://www.runuphillracing.com

Sounds like a great way to keep my training up going into the fall!