About

The Never Summer 100km is a true mountain ultramarathon that explores the wild and rugged terrain of State Forest State Park in Colorado. The course winds between the Never Summer Mountains, set on the northern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Medicine Bow Mountains north of Cameron Pass. The route highlights a stunning array of high-altitude features: early miles traverse peaks and alpine lakes of the Never Summer range, then the course heads north into the remote southern reaches of the Medicine Bow Mountains, where more summits and alpine lakes await. Runners spend significant time above timberline, often between 10,000 and 12,000 feet, with panoramic views of the Never Summer Mountains, the striking peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, the wide-open valleys of North Park, and, to the north, Wyoming's Snowy Range. The journey is designed as a challenging, wild, and satisfying mountain running experience. Participants must be ready for a huge diversity of terrain—classic singletrack, rocky alpine ridges, remote and seldom-traveled trails, rugged jeep and logging roads, shin-deep mud, alpine meadows, stream crossings, and boulder fields. With around 14,500 feet of climbing and descent over approximately 65.7 miles, the course is both physically strenuous and technically demanding, testing endurance and resolve. Some sections are rough and overgrown, emphasizing the remote, untamed atmosphere. Wildlife encounters with moose, elk, and possibly bighorn sheep add to the sense of adventure. Generous time limits exist, but runners should be well-prepared for a true wilderness race at altitude, where weather can change rapidly, and extended stretches often lack aid or cell service. This event is as rewarding as it is demanding, showcasing the raw beauty and ruggedness of Colorado’s high country.