Kessel Run Ultra 2026
- Date
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Start time
- 6:00 AM start (Denver)
- Location
- Fruita, Colorado
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Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Mile | Ultra | Nov 7, 20266:00 AM | See registration | – |
| 50 Mile | 50 Mile | Nov 7, 20266:00 AM | See registration | – |
| 50K | 50K | Nov 7, 20267:00 AM | See registration | – |
| 20 Mile | Other | Nov 7, 20268:00 AM | See registration | – |
| 10 Mile | 10 Mile | Nov 7, 20268:30 AM | See registration | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
Race day planning
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:48 AM, and the 40 Mile starts at 6:00 AM. The start sits about 5,830 feet above sea level, high enough that most runners from lower ground run noticeably slower.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
North Fruita Desert, Fruita, CO 81521
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
2024 results
All results10 Mile
20 Mile
50 Mile
Aggregated from official results (Mad Moose Events) for Kessel Run Ultra. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
How fast do you need to be at Kessel Run Ultra?
At the 2024 10 Mile, the fastest tenth finished in 1:39:17 or better, the top quarter in 1:53:18, and half the field in 2:08:24; the last tenth came in after 2:55:03.
At the 2024 20 Mile, the fastest tenth finished in 3:38:07 or better, the top quarter in 3:50:50, and half the field in 4:22:32; the last tenth came in after 5:37:34.
At the 2024 50 Mile, the fastest tenth finished in 9:52:28 or better, the top quarter in 10:14:51, and half the field in 11:02:14; the last tenth came in after 12:52:45.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 1:54:31 | n/a |
| 30-39 | 1:44:53 | 1:37:58 |
| 40-49 | 1:45:29 | 1:42:47 |
| 50-59 | 2:07:54 | 2:02:48 |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
What would my time get me?
Where a finish time would have placed in 2024.
How fast is it?
Slower than most US trail 10-mile races
The fastest quarter of the 2024 10-mile race field finished under 1:53:18, against 1:39:05 in a typical US trail 10-mile race, so times here run 14 percent slower.
- 50 Mile: Faster than most US trail 50-mile races. The fastest quarter of the 2024 50-mile race field finished under 10:14:51, against 10:47:13 in a typical US trail 50-mile race, so times here run 5 percent faster.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Typical race-day weather
Around November 7 the day usually runs from 37°F at dawn to 58°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 7% of days. Cold snaps dip to 28°F and hot years reach 65°F.
Based on 70 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
Race details
- Where
- North Fruita Desert, Fruita, CO 81521Map
- Course
- Trail
- Start elevation
- About 5,830 feet
- Distances
- 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile, Ultra, Other
- Editions
- 2026 (Nov 7, 2026), 2025 (Nov 8, 2025), 2024 (Nov 9, 2024)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Plan your race
Quick answers
- When is Kessel Run Ultra?
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, starting at 6:00 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- See the registration page for current pricing.
- What distances can I run?
- 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile, Ultra, Other.
- How big is it, and how fast?
- In 2024, 95 runners finished the 10 Mile; the median finish was 2:08:24 and the winner ran 1:13:06.
- Is it a fast course?
- The fastest quarter of the 2024 10-mile race field finished under 1:53:18, against 1:39:05 in a typical US trail 10-mile race, so times here run 14 percent slower.
- Where does it start?
- North Fruita Desert, Fruita, CO 81521.
From the organizers
Located in Fruita, Colorado, just a quick drive from the Front Range, this is the ultimate Racecation Adventure!! Known for its world class single track, the trails of Fruita are a hidden gem for trail running. Enjoy sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains and the Colorado National Monument as you run through the high desert. All distances begin on fast, flowing singletrack and work their way to the steep ups and downs of the Zippity-Do-Da Trail. If you love perfect running weather and stunning views, this race is for you!