Hill Climb- New for 2026!
Sunday, AUGUST 23, 2026 • 9:00AM START AT Oak Street plaza (Base of the Gondola)
The new Hill Climb is a fundraiser for the Telluride Mountain Club. Come out and show your support!
How fast can you get from town to the top of Gold Hill? The Hill Climb is an extremely strenuous ascent designed for anyone looking for a mountain challenge. The entire course is uphill and climbs over 4,000 ft of elevation in roughly 3.2 miles (5Km).
This event is for both runners and non-runners and we encourage hikers to sign up! However, keep in mind that there is a 3hr time limit to the summit.
The first section of the course starts in Telluride at Oak Street Plaza (8,750’) and takes a direct route to the top of Lift 9 via ski runs. These ski runs are relentless on steep, grassy terrain for nearly 2 miles and over 3,000 ft of climbing. From the top of Lift 9, the course finishes by following See Forever Ridge (two-track) up for an additional 1000 ft to the summit of Gold Hill at 12,750’!
At the summit, grab your drop bag and some refreshments from the finish line aid station. Hang out, enjoy the views, and cheer on other runners at the finish line… and 14-mile runners as they pass by on their way down Gold Hill.
Please note that a hike is required to get back down. There are two options for descent:
Hike down the See Forever Trail to the San Sophia Station and ride the Gondola down to Telluride, 3 miles.
Take an even more scenic, but longer, hike down to Telluride through Bear Creek Basin and cheer on the 14-mile runners, 6 miles.
*The exact route to the top of Lift 9 will be confirmed later this summer. The route shown below travels up Cats Paw, Jaws, and Bushwacker. Subject to change.
Hill Climb:
Distance: About 3.2 Miles (5km)
Start: Oak Street Plaza (8,750’)
Finish: Gold Hill Summit (12,750’)
Elevation Gain: About 4,000 ft (1,220m)
Overall time limit: 3 hours
Number of Aid Stations: 1 (Finish line)
*The exact course, distance, elevation gain, and GPX will be confirmed later this summer (2026).
Aid Stations and Cut Off times:
TMR is a CUPLESS race. please bring your own reusable cup if you plan to drink at the aid stations and finish line.
There will be one fully stocked aid stations at the finish line on the summit of Gold Hill. This aid station will be stocked with water, electrolyte drink, sweet and salty snacks, first aid, and super nice volunteers! Please note that these distances are approximate and might not perfectly match the elevation profile above. Cut-off times will be strictly enforced for the safety of the runners and support staff.
Finish line Drop Bags:
Runners will be allow one drop bag for the finish line at the top of Gold Hill. Please mark all drop bags with your name and bib number and bring them to the starting line on race morning. This needs to be dropped off no later than 8:30am. Please keep your drop bag small.
*It is recommend to send a drop bag to the finish line at the top of Gold Hill with items you may want for hanging out up high and for the hike back down to the San Sophia Gondola Station- Warm clothing (jacket), dry clothing, gloves, hat, etc.
Recommended Gear:
Because of the unpredictable weather and remote nature of the San Juans, we highly encourage all runners to carry the recommended gear listed below.
Hydration system
Calories
Waterproof Jacket
Running/ Hiking poles
High traction footwear
Sunscreen
Course Markings:
The course will be well marked with flagging tape, ground flags, and directional signs at some intersections. The race organizers will do everything they can to have the course well marked for race participants the day of the event. Runners must follow trail markings and not cut switchbacks. Please be sure to understand the course! This is super important- Despite all our efforts to mark the course really well, some of our route marking have gone missing every year. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND all runners download the course GPX file and have it available on their phone during the run.