Looking for a trail-running race to end your summer? Alta is hosting the Cotopaxi 5k and 10k race on Saturday, September 19th. It’s a run that takes participants through some of Alta’s most stunning terrain and scenery. It begins at the Albion Lodge and winds up into Albion Basin where views of Devil’s Castle await.
The course is divided into two lengths so there’s a race for everybody. According to race organizers, The 10k course starts on a wide trail for the first 2.5 kilometers. It inclines 800 feet past mountain streams along a dirt path with occasional loose gravel. The next 2.5 kilometers transition to a single track with 500 additional feet of gain. The track leads you across scree that opens to vistas at the top of Devil’s Castle Loop. A gradual 2.5k descent follows, taking you through mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers. The final highly forested 2.5k opens between kilometers 8 and 9 onto sweeping views of Albion Basin, then transitions to a steep forested descent that ends at the Alta resort.
The 5k course begins on the same wide track as the 10k, with dirt trails and some loose gravel for the first 2.5 kilometers. After 800 feet of elevation gain, the course leads you to a turnaround point near Cecret Lake trailhead. The final 2.5k opens between kilometers 3.5 and 4.5 onto views of Albion Basin, then closes with a steep forested descent that ends at Alta.
All racers will receive a water bottle, T-shirt, and finisher’s medal. Plus, there will be on-site photographers taking pictures along the most scenic parts of the trail. Early-bird cost is $40 for the 5k, $45 for the 10k, and $15 for children 8 and under. Those kids who don’t want to take home a race packet can participate for free!
For more information, or to register, go to http://cotopaxi.com/pages/cotopaxi-5k-10k.