About This Race
The Bull of the Woods Trail Races presents a geographic puzzle with compelling mountain credentials. While UltraSignup lists this as a Kennewick, Washington event, the course description places runners in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, ascending to peaks above 12,000 feet. This discrepancy aside, the race promises serious mountain terrain with its flagship marathon reaching Kachina Peak at 12,481 feet before continuing to Fraser Peak at 12,168 feet. The course spans the entire Taos Ski Valley trail network, offering what organizers describe as legitimate trail credentials through technical singletrack terrain. Now in its eighth year, the event offers both 26-mile and 14-mile options, with the longer distance providing a comprehensive tour of the high-altitude trail system. The half marathon follows established Northside trails known for tight singletrack and expansive mountain views. Given the significant elevation and technical terrain described, this race appeals to experienced mountain runners comfortable with sustained climbing and high-altitude conditions.
The marathon distance climbs to Kachina Peak at 12,481 feet before continuing to Fraser Peak at 12,168 feet, spanning the entire Taos Ski Valley trail network. The route emphasizes technical singletrack trails, particularly on the Northside trail system, with sustained climbing and high-altitude exposure throughout. The half marathon follows a similar character on the Northside trails, focusing on tight singletrack with significant mountain views.
Notable Features
The race's defining characteristic is its high-altitude mountain terrain, with the marathon route reaching two peaks above 12,000 feet in what appears to be Taos Ski Valley. The course promises comprehensive coverage of the area's trail network through technical singletrack, though geographic details in the race listing require clarification.