Pat's Pony Express
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Pat's Pony Express
Pat's Pony Express is a trail run at Rampart Reservoir, starting from the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead on Rampart Range Road. There are two distance options:
- 8 miles
- 16 miles
The course is an out-and-back with a loop on rolling single-track dirt. Some sections are rocky and have exposed tree roots. Elevation ranges from 9,000 to 9,400 feet with about 1,500 feet of total elevation gain and loss. Runners follow the Rainbow Gulch Trail and a north-side loop that includes the Schubarth Trail and Forest Service Road 307 before returning to the reservoir trail.
The event is limited to 150 participants by US Forest Service restrictions and the route is closed to the general public under special permission. Registration must be completed in advance and closes on August 5, 2026; there is no race day registration.
Two aid stations provide water only; participants are advised to carry personal hydration and nutrition. Parking at the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead is limited and carpooling is requested. Woodland Park High School and Forest Service Roads 950 and 951 are designated parking options with about a quarter mile walk to the start. Parking guides will direct vehicles on race weekend.
Awards include a finisher horseshoe for each finisher and five randomly selected finishers will receive a one year membership to the Pikes Peak Road Runners. Restrictions include no animals, no baby joggers or strollers, no earbuds or headphones, and no bikes or trikes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
