About This Race
The WILD Wahatoya Runs takes runners through the historic Cuchara Valley beneath Colorado's iconic Spanish Peaks. These twin summits have served as landmarks for centuries, guiding Native American tribes, Spanish trappers, gold seekers, and American settlers across the southwestern landscape. The race honors this rich cultural heritage while showcasing the dramatic geography that made the peaks such enduring waypoints. Set in the high country near La Veta, the event offers runners a chance to explore terrain shaped by both geological forces and human history. The Spanish Peaks region has been home to Ute, Comanche, and Apache peoples, and the race route traverses landscapes that have witnessed waves of exploration and settlement. The September timing captures the area at its most welcoming, with crisp mountain air and autumn colors beginning to emerge across the valley.
The course runs entirely on paths through the Cuchara Valley, offering runners unobstructed views of the Spanish Peaks and surrounding high country. The terrain appears to be relatively gentle based on the listed elevation profile, making it accessible to runners seeking mountain scenery without extreme vertical challenge.
Practical Info
Late September in the Colorado high country typically brings cool mornings with potential for afternoon warmth, though mountain weather can change rapidly.
Best For
Notable Features
The race's unique appeal lies in its historical setting beneath the Spanish Peaks, landmarks that have guided travelers for centuries. The event celebrates the cultural heritage of the Cuchara Valley while providing access to some of Colorado's most dramatic high country scenery in a relatively approachable format.