Silverton Alpine Runs
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Silverton Alpine Runs
The Silverton Alpine Runs take place in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, starting and finishing at Silverton Memorial Park. The event features high-altitude courses that utilize the historic Alpine Loop jeep roads. Participants travel through several ghost mining towns, including Howardsville, Eureka, Animas Forks, and Gladstone.
The event offers three distinct distances:
- 50 km: A 31.8-mile loop with 4,569 feet of elevation gain, reaching a maximum height of 12,926 feet.
- Marathon: A 26.8-mile loop with 3,911 feet of elevation gain, also reaching 12,926 feet at California Pass.
- 8 Miler: An 8.4-mile out-and-back course to Howardsville with 382 feet of elevation gain.
The courses for the longer distances reach their high point at California Pass, situated at 12,930 feet. Because the Alpine Loop remains open to recreational vehicles, runners may encounter off-highway vehicle (OHV) traffic and dusty conditions.
This is a cupless event, meaning participants must carry their own hydration containers, such as vests or bottles, to refill at aid stations. The race enforces a "Leave No Trace" policy to protect the local environment. Well-stocked aid stations are provided along the routes, though crew and spectator access is restricted to the start and finish area at Memorial Park.
Mountain Duo Challenge participants may choose to combine any distance of the Silverton Alpine Runs with the Kendall Mountain Run held during the same weekend. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
