The 50 Mile and 50K are 100% trails, mostly single track and some double, in the beautiful Buffalo Creek Recreation Area in the Pike National Forest, starting and finishing along the rushing North Fork of the South Platte River in Pine Valley Ranch Park in Pine, Colorado.  The elevation ranges from 6,700 feet to 8,100 feet in the 50K and to 8,400 feet in the 50 Mile.  With 4,800 feet of climb in the 50K and 7,500 feet of climb in the 50 Mile, the race is very challenging for those not used to mountain trail races, yet speedsters who are used to altitude will find the course quite runable.

The race benefits the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department, which protects the area where the race is run.  They have helped to battle a number of wildfires in the area over the years that have changed the landscape, opening broad vistas of the high country and making way for new growth.  You will run through some of the burn areas, but most of the course is in pristine pine and aspen forest.  The beautiful scenery, friendly aid stations and generous time cutoffs make North Fork an excellent choice for first-time ultramarathoners as well as veterans.  Runners get high quality tech T-shirts, unique finisher awards, a fabulous post-race barbecue and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Part of the proceeds are also donated to StageDoor Theatre in Conifer, which brings great entertainment to the local community and provides theater education and opportunity to area youth.  StageDoor volunteers will be presenting the barbecue on race day.

Check out the photo galleries on the Photos page.  And all the course and race information can be found under the Race Info tab above.  If you have questions, feel free to email the race director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 303-903-3533.