Experience the best of the San Juan Mountains with a marathon and 50 kilometer run along the Alpine Loop past the historic mining ghost towns of Howardsville, Eureka, Animas Forks & Gladstone. High point is 12,930 ft atop California Pass. Low point is Silverton at 9,318ft. Total vertical gain is …
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Experience the best of the San Juan Mountains with a marathon and 50 kilometer run along the Alpine Loop past the historic mining ghost towns of Howardsville, Eureka, Animas Forks & Gladstone. High point is 12,930 ft atop California Pass. Low point is Silverton at 9,318ft. Total vertical gain is 3,800 for the marathon and 4,100 for the 50k. Start and finish in the beautiful town of Silverton, Colorado.
Mountain Duo Challenge
Get your legs (and your lungs!) warmed up for your adventures around the Alpine loop and make the most out of your weekend by running the classic Kendall Mountain Run. Double Down by running the Kendall Mountian 12 miler Saturday and either the Silverton Alpine Marathon or 50K on Sunday!! Preview the Alpine Loop from the top of Kendall when you tap the summit. Save 15% by registering for both races with the add-on option at checkout.
8 Mile Race
Maybe your legs are a little wobbly from the Kendall Mountain Runs on Saturday, or your lungs are getting used to the altitude. Maybe Sundays are just your day for runs in the single digit mileage range. Whatever the reason, we would love to have you come experience a unique out and back on the Alpine Loop. Head out from Silverton to Howardsville, take it all in, then come back to celebrate and cheer in our other finishers at Memorial Park.
This race is also part of our Mountain Duo Challenge!! Make it a memorable weekend in Silverton by running the historic Kendall Mountain 12 miler on Saturday, and shake out those climbing legs on Sunday in our 8 miler.
Weather
Summer temperatures range from high 30s to low 80s. Sudden and violent thunderstorms are common, especially above tree-line. DO NOT attempt this race without adequate warm clothing and rain gear.
Race Perks
- Soft tri-blend race shirt (register before June 3, 2020 to guarantee a race shirt)
- Scenic and challenging course
- Chip timed race results displayed at the finish line
- Post Race Meal in Memorial Park at the finish
- Finisher Commemorative Award
- Unique Mountain Duo Award for all who Complete the 2 Day Challenge
- A memorable adventure in the San Juans!
Awards
Awards will be given to finishers in the marathon if completed in under 10 hours and to the 50K finishers if finished in under 11 hours. Special awards for Men’s/Women’s Overall winners. Awards ceremony around 1PM on Sunday.
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Gorgeous high altitude course
Silverton is a charming small mountain town. Inexpensive, with great laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. The course is mostly on unpaved SUV road (and you need to share it with … MORE
Silverton is a charming small mountain town. Inexpensive, with great laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals.
The course is mostly on unpaved SUV road (and you need to share it with the SUVs and ATVs (not a big deal)).
2019 was a high snow year which in my opinion made the race better: running through the snowy mountains and a little bit on snow. Couple stream crossings, but nothing bad.
What’s different about this race – it starts at elevation of 9,300′ and goes up to 12,900′. You better be acclimated 🙂
Did I mention the scenery? Alpine views are amazing. You also run next to historic abandoned mines.
It’s a smaller production – few dozen runners for the 50k. The “swag” (t-shirt, cup) is something you can use later and the food was good.