Powderhorn Ultra and Vert Challenge
BU
From Becoming Ultra
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Past event
6:00 AM MDT
Mesa, Colorado
Free · 1 race
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of endurance and adventure at the Powderhorn Ultra and Vert Challenge, hosted by Becoming Ultra on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the stunning Mesa, Colorado. This unique race invites participants to experience the breathtaking scenery of Grand Mesa while testing their limits with a choice of 12-hour and 6-hour race formats, as well as a thrilling vertical challenge.
Set against the backdrop of Powderhorn Mountain, runners will tackle a nearly 10k loop that ascends approximately 1,546 feet with each lap. As you navigate through picturesque aspen groves and serene mountain meadows, you'll find plenty of support with fully stocked aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers cheering you on. For those who crave a true uphill challenge, the Vertical Challenge allows you to ascend as many times as possible, collecting elevation while enjoying the rush of the climb. Plus, the Grand Junction Sports Commission will be hosting their 5k and 15k races on the same day, creating an electrifying atmosphere for all participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to test your endurance, connect with fellow runners, and celebrate the spirit of adventure!
Set against the backdrop of Powderhorn Mountain, runners will tackle a nearly 10k loop that ascends approximately 1,546 feet with each lap. As you navigate through picturesque aspen groves and serene mountain meadows, you'll find plenty of support with fully stocked aid stations and enthusiastic volunteers cheering you on. For those who crave a true uphill challenge, the Vertical Challenge allows you to ascend as many times as possible, collecting elevation while enjoying the rush of the climb. Plus, the Grand Junction Sports Commission will be hosting their 5k and 15k races on the same day, creating an electrifying atmosphere for all participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to test your endurance, connect with fellow runners, and celebrate the spirit of adventure!
Powderhorn Ultra and Vert Challenge
This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Add your review
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Races
-
12 Hour, 6 Hour, 12 Hour Team, 6 Hour Team, Vertical Challenge
Entries closedFree
Event information
The Loop Course
Test your stamina on a 10K loop that starts and finishes at the base of the resort. Each loop has 1,546 feet of elevation gain, taking you from an altitude of 8,287 feet to 9,839 feet at the peak. Get ready to crush multiple laps, and see just how far you can go in 12 hours. It’s a true test of endurance and strategy, with each climb more rewarding than the last.
The Vertical Challenge
How much vertical can you handle? This option is designed for those who live for the uphill grind. Ascend from the base to the summit as many times as possible—then take the chairlift back down. It’s pure elevation gain, all day long. With 1,546 feet of climbing per ascent, this challenge is perfect for runners who love pushing limits and collecting serious vertical.
Test your stamina on a 10K loop that starts and finishes at the base of the resort. Each loop has 1,546 feet of elevation gain, taking you from an altitude of 8,287 feet to 9,839 feet at the peak. Get ready to crush multiple laps, and see just how far you can go in 12 hours. It’s a true test of endurance and strategy, with each climb more rewarding than the last.
The Vertical Challenge
How much vertical can you handle? This option is designed for those who live for the uphill grind. Ascend from the base to the summit as many times as possible—then take the chairlift back down. It’s pure elevation gain, all day long. With 1,546 feet of climbing per ascent, this challenge is perfect for runners who love pushing limits and collecting serious vertical.
Two Epic Courses: Whether you’re looping or climbing, both courses offer a mix of technical trails, stunning alpine scenery, and the full mountain experience. Note: The uphill is the same for both efforts.
Elevation Challenge: Starting at 8,287 feet and topping out at 9,839 feet, prepare for high-altitude running that will push your lungs and legs to the max.
Solo or Team: Take on the challenge solo, or split the load in our relay category with a friend.
Full Support: Well-stocked aid stations with fuel and hydration will be available to keep you going strong.
Awesome Race Swag: Earn a medal and race hat to celebrate your epic achievement—plus awards for top distance and vertical performers!
Elevation Challenge: Starting at 8,287 feet and topping out at 9,839 feet, prepare for high-altitude running that will push your lungs and legs to the max.
Solo or Team: Take on the challenge solo, or split the load in our relay category with a friend.
Full Support: Well-stocked aid stations with fuel and hydration will be available to keep you going strong.
Awesome Race Swag: Earn a medal and race hat to celebrate your epic achievement—plus awards for top distance and vertical performers!
Free parking on site!
Our event is at the Powderhorn Ski Resort on the Grand Mesa!
Organiser's description
Come to the untapped Grand Mesa in Western Colorado to test your self with our 12hr, 6hr, and vertical challenge runs!
The race begins at the base of Powderhorn mountain and winds its way through aspen, evergreen, and mountain meadows to the top. You will gain about 1500’ of vertical for every lap. Each lap is almost exactly 10k. With an aid station at the top and fully stocked aid, crew, music, and more at the bottom. We want to create an experience where route finding and long stretches between aid stations aren’t an issue and you can find energy from volunteers and other runners for the whole day! We are partnering with Grand Junction Sports Commission who will have their 5k and 15k on the same day! The map is from their first year and we love the route!
The Loop Course
Test your stamina on a 10K loop that starts and finishes at the base of the resort. Each loop has 1,546 feet of elevation gain, taking you from an altitude of 8,287 feet to 9,839 feet at the peak. Get ready to crush multiple laps, and see just how far you can go in 12 hours. It’s a true test of endurance and strategy, with each climb more rewarding than the last.
The Vertical Challenge
How much vertical can you handle? This option is designed for those who live for the uphill grind. Ascend from the base to the summit as many times as possible—then take the chairlift back down. It’s pure elevation gain, all day long. With 1,546 feet of climbing per ascent, this challenge is perfect for runners who love pushing limits and collecting serious vertical.
The race begins at the base of Powderhorn mountain and winds its way through aspen, evergreen, and mountain meadows to the top. You will gain about 1500’ of vertical for every lap. Each lap is almost exactly 10k. With an aid station at the top and fully stocked aid, crew, music, and more at the bottom. We want to create an experience where route finding and long stretches between aid stations aren’t an issue and you can find energy from volunteers and other runners for the whole day! We are partnering with Grand Junction Sports Commission who will have their 5k and 15k on the same day! The map is from their first year and we love the route!
The Loop Course
Test your stamina on a 10K loop that starts and finishes at the base of the resort. Each loop has 1,546 feet of elevation gain, taking you from an altitude of 8,287 feet to 9,839 feet at the peak. Get ready to crush multiple laps, and see just how far you can go in 12 hours. It’s a true test of endurance and strategy, with each climb more rewarding than the last.
The Vertical Challenge
How much vertical can you handle? This option is designed for those who live for the uphill grind. Ascend from the base to the summit as many times as possible—then take the chairlift back down. It’s pure elevation gain, all day long. With 1,546 feet of climbing per ascent, this challenge is perfect for runners who love pushing limits and collecting serious vertical.
Location
48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa, CO 81643-5099, United States
Powderhorn Ultra and Vert Challenge
BU
Becoming Ultra
We love to get cool people to do hard things with other cool people.
On Find a Race
Since
2025
Events
1