Choose Your Distance
11K
The 11K serves as the shorter technical option at Kendall Mountain Run, offering runners a taste of the demanding alpine terrain without the full commitment of the 12-mile distance. This distance allows runners to experience the challenging elevation gain and technical mountain trails while maintaining a more manageable effort level, making it ideal for those new to mountain running or seeking a shorter but still substantial mountain challenge. The reduced distance means runners can focus on conquering the technical terrain and elevation without the endurance demands of the longer option, though the mountain's steep pitches and rocky sections still require solid trail running fitness and experience.
12 miles
The course begins in downtown Silverton's Memorial Park and immediately heads upward on jeep roads, gaining nearly 4,000 feet of elevation over the first portion of the race. The route follows established mining roads through alpine terrain, with the grade becoming increasingly steep as runners approach treeline. The defining feature comes in the final 250 feet to Kendall Mountain's 13,066-foot summit, where the jeep road ends and runners must scramble over rocks and boulders to tag the true peak. The descent follows a different route down the backside of Kendall Mountain, eventually reconnecting with the jeep road system for the return to Silverton. This loop configuration provides varied scenery throughout the race while avoiding the monotony of a simple out-and-back route. The terrain ranges from packed dirt roads to loose rock scrambling, requiring runners to adapt their technique throughout the race.