woman walking on green grass field

Happy Camper Endurance Run

50-200 miles·Westminster, Colorado
ultra100 miletrailloop50 mile

Photo by Massimo Sartirana on Unsplash

Distance50-200 miles
Gain
DateTBA
StatusTBA
FeeFree
Difficulty4/5

About This Race

The Happy Camper Endurance Run offered one of the more challenging multi-day endurance experiences in the Front Range, with distances ranging from 50 to 200 miles across Colorado's high plains terrain. Based at Standley Lake Regional Park in Westminster, the race operated on a loop format that tested runners' mental fortitude as much as their physical endurance. The event's format allowed for flexible distance options, with runners able to complete their chosen mileage within the multi-day window. The race was known for its grassroots organization and family atmosphere, hosted by the Sasquatch Running Company. However, the event has been on hiatus since 2021 due to the race director's career changes and the logistical demands of the multi-day format. The race director has indicated hopes to revive the event, though no concrete timeline has been established. Runners interested in similar challenges were directed to the Mount Herman Adventure Run as an alternative.

The course utilized loop systems around Standley Lake Regional Park and the Westminster Open Space trail network. The relatively flat terrain of the Front Range foothills provided a different challenge than typical mountain ultras, with elevation changes modest but the mental demands of repeated loops substantial. The area offers a mix of maintained trails and open space paths, with runners experiencing Colorado's high plains ecosystem throughout their journey.

Race History

2021 Results

Practical Info

Weather

Mid-June weather in the Denver area typically brings warm days and cool nights, with afternoon thunderstorm potential.

Nearest Airport

DEN - Denver International Airport

Accommodation

The race format included camping at the base location, with Westminster offering additional hotel options nearby.

Best For

Experienced ultra runnersMulti-day endurance specialistsLoop format enthusiasts

Notable Features

The Happy Camper distinguished itself through its multi-day camping format and extreme distance options, with the 200-mile option placing it among the longer ultra-distance events in Colorado. The family-run organization and base camp atmosphere at Standley Lake created a unique community experience that differed from typical point-to-point mountain races.