The Pilgrimage
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The Pilgrimage : event overview
The Pilgrimage is a 150-hour timed endurance event held near Mack, Colorado, in the high desert of western Colorado. The race limits the field to 45 runners and uses a single home base. Each full Journey consists of five distinct, zero pavement routes that together total about 55.3 miles and approximately 5,908 ft of elevation gain. The terrain is a mix of single track, dirt roads, and ATV track, with an average altitude a bit over 5,000 ft.
The five routes and approximate metrics:
- Green route - 6.6 miles, 497 ft gain
- Blue route - 11.4 miles, 848 ft gain
- White route - 11.9 miles, 1,282 ft gain
- Red route - 12.6 miles, 1,323 ft gain
- Orange route - 12.5 miles, 1,136 ft gain
Race format and rules
A Journey is the completion of all five routes. The race uses multiple Journey orders across the event, including predetermined order, random draw, alternating assignments, reversed order, free choice, and shortest to longest sequences. Pacers are not allowed. Runners must complete at least four full Journeys to avoid a DNF, which is roughly 220 miles in 150 hours, about 41 minutes per mile or about 35 miles per day. An RD will be on site and awake 24/7 for check ins after each route.
Support and logistics
There is one home base aid station with hot and cold food options listed by the organizer and a small collapsible cup provided at registration. The event is cupless otherwise. Runners must bring separate GPX files for each course and know how to use them. There is no on site medical team; a portable shower and porta potties will be available. Crewed and uncrewed divisions are separate and have distinct rules and awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
