Ascent Runners will start at the Echo Lake Campground, located at the intersection of Hwy. 103(Squaw Pass Rd.) and Hwy. 5 (Mt. Evans Road). From there, the course climbs for 14.5 miles up North America's highest paved road. The course takes you through montane, subalpine, and alpine environments to the summit of Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft.

Round-Trip Runners will cross the Ascent finish line, have access to their summit drop bag, then will run back down the mountain - finishing at the start/finish line at Echo Lake Campground.

Click map image for a topographic course map and elevation profile

Ascent Cut-Off's: A 2.5 hour cut-off will be in effect at Summit Lake, which is approximately 9 miles into the run. Summit Lake lies at an elevation of 12,850 feet, and is 2,250 feet higher than the starting line at Echo Lake. There will be a shuttle van at Summit Lake where you can take shelter. Summit crew will be notified of your withdrawal, and your summit bag will be brought down to the shuttle. The finish line will officially close after 4.5 hours. If you have missed a cut-off, please do not ask aid station volunteers to continue.

Round-Trip Cut-Off's: A 2.5 hour cut-off will be in effect at Summit Lake, which is approximately 9 miles into the run. Summit Lake lies at an elevation of 12,850 feet, and is 2,250 feet higher than the starting line at Echo Lake. The cutoff for starting the downhill return trip from the summit is 4 hours after the start. There will be additional cutoff times at each of the aid stations on the downhill return trip. Those times will be in line with making the 1:30pm finish line cutoff and will be announced shortly. The finish line will officially close at 1:30pm. If you have missed a cut-off, please do not ask aid station volunteers to continue.

Aid Stations: Four fully stocked aid stations will provide drinks and nourishment. They are located approximately every 3 miles. If you need fluids or calories more frequently, please feel free to carry a bottle and fill it at our aid stations. Our aid stations are stocked with water, Skratch (lemon lime flavor), Coca Cola, and Hammer Gel, cookies, and candy. Food items vary between aid stations. We also provide electrolyte tablets and feminine hygiene products at our aid stations.

Bathrooms: Port-o-potties and permanent toilets are available at packet pickup and in the adjacent campground. On-course toilets are available in the Nature Center at the mile-3 aid station (on right side of building as you are approaching from the road) and in the Summit Lake parking lot, just beyond the Summit Lake Aid Station at mile-9. Bathrooms are also available at the finish line.

Please visit our Spectator Page for important information all spectators need to know!