Beas Knees Citizens' Race and National High School Trail Championships
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National High School Trail Championships and Beas Knees Citizens Race
The National High School Trail Championships (NHSTC) and the Beas Knees citizens race take place on the Salida Mountain Trails in Salida, Colorado on July 25, 2026. The NHSTC is reserved for current high school athletes and is extended to incoming freshmen and 2025 high school graduates. There is no qualifying race. The event will crown team and individual champions for girls and boys.
Teams may include up to five athletes with the top three finishers scoring for a team. The Beas Knees citizens race is open to all ages and also offers team divisions for guys, girls, or coed teams.
The competition uses a 5.4 mile singletrack course that features switchbacks, sustained climbs and technical descents. The route begins on Poblano Trail, connects to Burn Pile Trail and CR 176, continues on Rusty Lung, reaches a high point near 7,558 ft at Lil Rattler, and then descends via Lil Rattler and Frontside Trails with a wider final quarter mile.
Practical details include packet pickup Friday evening at a local running store and race day pickup at the Riverside Park band shell. Awards will be presented at the Riverside Park band shell after events. Light post race refreshments will be available and results will be posted online through the event timing company. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
