“Humble is the man who accepts that life is full of ups and downs” The Indian Creek Trail Runs is the oldest official race of the Human Potential Running Series (HPRS) and is also known as the annual “Fall Classic.” This event features some of the best, seldom used, single …
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“Humble is the man who accepts that life is full of ups and downs”
The Indian Creek Trail Runs is the oldest official race of the Human Potential Running Series (HPRS) and is also known as the annual “Fall Classic.” This event features some of the best, seldom used, single track trails of the Denver Metro area. Participants will travel through the lower and upper montane ecosystems of the Front Range; from the lodgepole pine forest around 6,000-8,000′ sprinkled with sprawling aspen groves, down to the tall grasses and red rocks of the lower montane areas around 5,000′. This time of year is known for the changing colors across Colorado’s landscape. From golden quaking aspen, to the bright red hues of low lying scrub oak, and the amber waves of tall grasses of America’s high prairie.
You’ll find it hard to believe that you’re so close to a major city, one that you can see from the many viewpoints along the route. While you admire glimpses of the city, you’ll also see the same red rock formations that make up the Red Rocks Amphitheater, and occasional glimpses of nearby 14ers that tower above the Colorado landscape.
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Well worth the effort
The Indian Creek Ultras take place at an average altitude of 7,100 ft. ranging from 5,800 to 8,100 ft. and 7,000 ft. of vert. This is not an easy course, … MORE
The Indian Creek Ultras take place at an average altitude of 7,100 ft. ranging from 5,800 to 8,100 ft. and 7,000 ft. of vert. This is not an easy course, but it’s in Colorado, so it comes with the territory.
I ran the 55K with my niece, who lives in Denver. Despite being a flatlander, I had no altitude sickness, so I fully enjoyed the day out there. Plus there are no awards other than finisher, and we had the 50-mile cutoff time, so we had time to take photos and take in the awesome views and fall colors.
Conditions were perfect – start temp around 35, warming into the 60s. Aid station fare and volunteers were great. (See my full report for a photo of the Nutella and candy wrap.) And oh, Lord, did we get information and communication from the race director. He insisted that the runners read his detailed race manual. Well-marked course, too. T-shirt was so-so, but that’s okay. I have plenty.
I definitely recommend this race. A couple of heads-ups: It’s a cupless race, but you should be bringing your own bottle anyway. I brought a silicone cup for pop, candy, and such. And do carpool if you can, as parking is very limited and you’ll be charged $10.00 if you drive alone. (It’s all in the manual.)