About This Race
The 24 Hours of Palmer Lake offers runners a straightforward test of endurance set against the backdrop of Colorado's Palmer Divide. This community-driven event strips away the fanfare to focus on what matters most: seeing how far you can push yourself in a day. At 7,240 feet elevation, the race challenges runners with thin air while providing mountain views that make the miles pass more easily. The format is elegantly simple: a 0.82-mile loop that runners navigate as many times as possible in 24 hours. This setup allows for flexible pacing strategies, easy crew access, and the psychological comfort of familiar terrain. Whether you're chasing a distance PR, testing nutrition strategies, or simply exploring your limits, the short loop provides ample opportunity for course adjustments and mental resets. With a decade-plus history and a mission that includes supporting local parks, this race embodies the grassroots spirit of ultrarunning. The event rewards the top three overall distance winners and provides buckles for anyone completing 100 miles or more. It's designed for runners who appreciate the purity of the challenge over elaborate production values.
The course consists of a single 0.82-mile loop on mixed terrain around Palmer Lake. Runners navigate the same familiar circuit repeatedly over 24 hours, with the route offering mountain views and relatively gentle terrain at elevation. The short loop design allows for frequent crew access and resupply opportunities while testing mental fortitude through repetition.
Practical Info
Late September conditions can range from warm days to cold nights, with potential for altitude-related temperature swings and occasional precipitation.
DEN - Denver International Airport
Palmer Lake is located between Denver and Colorado Springs, providing access to lodging options in both metropolitan areas as well as smaller mountain communities.
Best For
Notable Features
This race stands out for its community focus and charitable component, with $5 from each registration supporting Palmer Lake Parks Committee. The high elevation setting at 7,240 feet adds an extra challenge while providing stunning mountain scenery. The simple loop format and low-key atmosphere appeal to runners who prefer substance over spectacle.