Imperial Challenge
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Imperial Challenge
The Imperial Challenge is a springtime race organized by Race Breck and the Town of Breckenridge Recreation Department that runs from town to peak. Competitors travel from the Breckenridge Recreation Center to the base of Peak 7, transition to uphill gear, climb to the top of Peak 8 at 12,987 feet, and then descend to a finish near the pool area of Grand Lodge Peak 7.
The first portion of the course is a bike or run along County Road 3, about 6.0 miles on mostly dirt road. The full event route is roughly 9.2 miles with around 2,246 ft of elevation gain. Helmets are mandatory for cyclists during the bike portion.
Multiple competition categories are offered, including Runners, SkiMo, Retro Open, Heavy Metal Rec Open, Splitboard/Snowboard, Team Relay, and Team Duo. Category rules vary: for example, Retro Open competitors carry all uphill and downhill gear on their bike, SkiMo competitors typically use lightweight skimo setups, and Team Duo teammates finish together wearing a single bib. Organizers do not provide bike security; participants should plan for bike locks and note that gear drop space at the transition beneath the Peak 7 gondola is limited.
Packet pickup is handled at the Breckenridge Recreation Center on race day. Awards are presented in the finish area for top overall finishers in the listed categories. Entry fees for 2026 were listed as $65 for solo, $90 for team relay, and $110 for team duo. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
