Quad Rock 50
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
Quad Rock 25 and 50 are trail races organized by Gnar Runners in the Fort Collins area, scheduled for May 2026. The event uses trails in Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Park near Fort Collins, Colorado. Distances and elevation gain are:
- 25 miles (approximately 5,500 ft total gain)
- 50 miles (approximately 11,000 ft total gain)
The course runs on mixed terrain: about 85% singletrack and 15% dirt road. Reported elevations are minimum 5,444 ft, maximum 7,087 ft, and average about 6,200 ft. Wildlife observed on course includes Abert squirrels, deer, and black bears. Registration is capped at 450 entries total (200 for the 50 mile, 250 for the 25 mile). Registration for the 2026 event opens December 15, 2025.
Course, support and policies
The 25 mile route is a single loop run clockwise from Soldier Canyon; 50 mile entrants run the same loop twice with the second loop in the opposite direction. The course is marked with pink flagging, pin flags, flour at key intersections, and confidence flagging about every quarter mile on long stretches. Aid stations are staffed and fully stocked except for two limited stations (one unmanned water-only and one with limited aid). Gluten free and vegan alternatives are provided for most foods. Drop bags are allowed at Horsetooth and Soldier Canyon with specified drop-off procedures. Crew access is allowed only at designated aid stations; some trailhead parking requires a park day fee and carpooling is recommended. Course cut-offs are enforced at several aid stations; failing to meet a cut-off after the first loop may result in being recorded as a 25 mile finisher without award eligibility. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.