Entering its 11th Year GNAR Runners is back at the Colorado State Forest State Park and Gould, Colorado to host yet another Never Summer 100k Ultramarathon. Participants come from all over the United States–and the rest of the world!--to run either 65k, 100k, and even both! Over the course of the weekend, more than 200 long distance trail runners will pit themselves against the rugged high country terrain of the Colorado high country and their own personal limits to test their mettle. July 25-27 the sound of feet pounding the trails throughout the Colorado State Forest State Park will be heard once again. 

The 60km run will take place on Friday, July 25 and the 100km run will begin on Saturday morning. The race ends on Sunday with closing formalities and winners announced at the Gould Community Center on July 27th. It’s three days of single track trail running, stunning views, and every footstep eating up the miles for hundreds of runners.

What is an Ultramarathon?

Ultramarathon running combines the grueling miles of a marathon and takes them to the next level. Instead of 26.2 miles, ultramarathons start beyond that, going up into the hundred mile mark. And more. The Never Summer 100k begins with a 65 kilometer race (around 40 miles), the 100k run (which is around 65 miles) and there’s even an option to run both—which some runners actually do over the span of the weekend.

The Never Summer 100k is one of five qualifying races for the Western States Endurance Run, which is essentially the ultramarathon runner’s equivalent to the Boston Marathon. Unlike the Boston Marathon, however, the Never Summer 100k takes place in the high country of North Park along the Never Summer and Medicine Bow mountain ranges.

Runners have 15 hours to complete the 60k and 24 hours to complete the 100k run. Time limits for each checkpoint help runners determine whether or not they will be able to complete the course within the time window. They have the option to end the race at any given time during the race, usually at the checkpoints. Surprisingly enough most runners complete the ultra. Though perhaps, it isn’t so surprising to them. After all, the vast majority of them have been putting in the hours to become physically able to compete at this level.

Nothing Short of Athletic Excellence

These athletes are truly built differently. Being an ultramarathon runner isn’t simply a matter of good genetics or equipment. Competing in this sport involves serious training and conditioning of your body. Going into an ultramarathon cold will not go well. The amount of punishment these athletes put themselves through is unreal. Those dedicated to long distance trail running often train year round, and those who come to the Never Summer 100k spend a lot of time in the mountains—often North Park—to prepare themselves for the altitude and terrain.

Trail running is a combination of hiking and marathon running and truly the biggest competition for each participant is simply going up against their personal best. It’s the love of trail running that motivates them, not wealth or prestige or fame. Most trail runners you wouldn’t even know if you were standing next to them in line. If you worked with an ultramarathon runner, you might wonder what they do on their weekends to always be out of town. The answer is challenging themselves, going up against their last run, and probably enjoying a cold trail beer at the end.

Ultramarathon runners work hard and play hard. Some runners have care packages waiting for them at checkpoints, left there by a support team of friends (and sometimes pets) who sometimes stay to meet them and cheer them on. They come from all over the USA and the world to run at these Ultras.

One of the big draws to ultramarathon trail running is how it puts participants up close and personal with the great outdoors. Just on the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park, what better place to see the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains than the Never Summer Mountains? After all, this is the same kind of terrain known throughout the world without all the restrictions and expense of visiting a National Park.

The Hardest Race in North Park

The concept for the Never Summer 100K started off by looking at a myriad of defunct logging roads and hiking trails that wound their way throughout the State Forest State Park. One of the founders of GNAR Runners, Nick Clark, first scouted the area in the mid 2010s. He had been familiar with the Colorado State Forest State Park and its extensive trail system. At the time, many of the available trails were part of a network of logging roads and hiking trails. Looking at a map of the area, it didn’t take long to connect the sections of roads and single path trail to stitch together a cohesive route.

The course has around 13k ft. in altitude gain and 13k of descent. The average altitude of the course is about 10,000 feet above sea level. Familiar areas to backpackers and hikers alike such as Kelly Lake, Montgomery Pass, American Lakes, and other notable destinations of the State Forest State Park are along the route. Some areas are marked by cairns and well trod sections of moiraine and fell fields of wind-worn stone, while others cut through the forest and even along portions of access roads. 

At the end of the trail, runners find themselves at the Gould Community Center, which has had a hand in hosting the event throughout its lifetime. The former WW2 POW camp barracks serves as partial headquarters and chow hall for runners, as well as a temporary campground and makeshift tent city. In a way, the Never Summer 100k is one of Gould’s best kept secrets, combining the striking beauty of the area with all the possibilities such a remote location can offer for a very grass roots type of experience. 

Hazards of Ultramarathon Running

As mentioned before, ultramarathon running involves a lot of dedication to the sport, honing one’s body to become a trail running machine with months if not years of training and preparation. The staff at GNAR Runners has a network of safety professionals in place, with EMTs and other medically trained volunteers throughout the course.

Like any sport, injuries happen, but at this level, serious injuries aren’t all that common. The usual traumatic injuries, such as strains, sprains, blisters, and abrasions happen, and are dealt with throughout the course at first aid stations. More serious injuries such as broken bones and pulled ligaments are often the result of falling.

Dehydration is one of the most common ways of being injured on the course, which can lead to some very serious conditions. Exhaustion being one of them. Runners are monitored throughout the checkpoints and each aid station gives runners a chance to evaluate their health, hydrate, and even load up on some calories before tackling the next leg of the course.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness can be problematic on these high mountain runs. Some runners that have not completed the course just weren’t ready. Altitude sickness can affect just about anyone who hasn’t had a chance to acclimate to the thin air. Symptoms can be as subtle as headache, dizziness, fatigue, or disorientation. They can become as serious as hypoxia or even congestive heart failure. 

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and take measures to compensate for altitude sickness before conditions become life threatening. Paramedics can provide supplementary oxygen, medication, or simply evacuate runners to lower altitudes.

Nature in the Mountains

Animal vs human confrontations are uncommon, but runners and spectators need to be aware that they are sharing the outdoors with wild animals. Large predators such as bears and mountain lions might be startled or even give chase due to a predatory reflex when they see people running. 

Weather can change quickly, with sudden rain (and even snowstorms) being part of everyday life in the high country. Sudden drops in temperature can lead to hypothermia, so it’s important to be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Most runners dress in lightweight layers that can be added or shed depending on what is needed. 

Lightning strikes can happen at high altitudes. This area of Colorado is near one of the most active lightning fields in North America. Sunburn at this altitude can be very serious due to the lack of atmosphere to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. Using plenty of sunscreen and protective eyewear can prevent damage to your skin which can lead to second degree burns and even cancer with repeated damage.

Help is Near

EMTs are on staff and checkpoints help to keep track of all runners throughout the race. The GNAR Runners staff is in constant contact between the various checkpoints to make sure all of the runners are accounted for.

Where to Find the Never Summer 100k

The race takes place throughout the Colorado State Forest State Park, with sections of the trail running as far south as American Lakes and the Michigan ditch, though this year due to fire mitigation, the course might be different than prior years. Stop by the Gould Community Center to get more information, maps, and directions on where to find different access points to the race.

You might need to hike into various spots, and since you'll be sharing the trail with runners, use your situational awareness to look out for and listen for trail runners. Nobody wants to accidentally get in the way of these runners, especially at later stages of the course. Keep pets at home or controlled and leashed as per State Forest State Park rules. 

Cheer the runners on as they pass and be respectful of other visitors to the event. Admission is free, with the exception of a State Parks Pass, which is included on many vehicle registrations. 

Places to Stay

Under new management, the Powderhorn Cabins in Gould offer RV hookups, tent camping, and of course rustic cabins. Also nearby visitors to North Park can find accommodations at Yonder Yurts. If you don’t mind a scenic drive of around 20 miles to Rand, you can also find a place to stay at the newly reopened Old Homestead, just on the other side of Owl Mountain. 

North Park offers a wide range of accommodations, but please consider that space is limited and fill up quickly. The Never Summer 100k is one of the largest draws to North Park during the summer, and rooms often sell out quickly. Flexibility can make all the difference with a selection of RV Parks, as VRBO or AirBnB vacations rentals in Walden, CO, and even Lake John Resort, making up the brunt of places to stay in Jackson County.

Places to Eat in Gould, CO

Closest to the event, participants and spectators alike will find incredible Mexican food at the Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant. Serving dishes inspired by cuisine of Chihuahua, Mexico, visitors will find a welcoming environment with a full bar and an extensive menu ranging from beef dishes to seafood. (Read more about it here)

Not far down the road, Walden, CO has most of the restaurants in North Park, with an assortment of places to choose, from Mexican to American sit down, to bistro-style breakfast and lunch.

Welcome Back to North Park, Runners!

The Never Summer 100k is one of those well-kept secrets that we hope our visitors find out about when searching for experiences off the beaten path in Colorado. Even if you aren’t a trail runner or ultramarathon enthusiast there is no denying the talent and ability that comes with such an undertaking. And what better place to experience it than here! Thank you to GNAR Runners for choosing our little corner of the Rocky Mountains to test the strength and talent of their runners. We hope to see them for many years to come! For more information, check out their Facebook and the GNAR Runners website. 

Best of luck to you all!