10K races near Fort Carson

The Above the Clouds Ultra begins and ends on the track at Merit Academy in Woodland Park, Colorado, a mountain town known as the City Above the Clouds. This yearly trail event features a 50k and a 10k. The 50k gains 4,137 feet, and the 10k gains 1,126 feet. It is a mountain trail race, not a road ultra, featuring climbing, singletrack, forest roads, and long sections through National Forest land. The 50k route ascends Lovell Gulch to Rampart Range Road, proceeds south with clear views of Pikes Peak, and then encircles Rampart Reservoir on quick singletrack. It then links to the less-trafficked 700.A National Forest trail, moves north on quiet forest roads, and finishes by descending the latter half of the Lovell Gulch loop. Aid stations are located at Lovell Gulch, Rainbow, Dam, and Rampart Ridge. Offerings include Tailwind, Muir Energy gels, fruit, snacks, and hot items like bacon, quesadillas, and potatoes. Crews may meet 50k runners at certain aid stations, but Rampart Ridge is closed to crews, and reaching the Dam aid station requires passing a paid entry point.

Bobcat Trail Races take place in Palmer Park, Colorado Springs. The park's rocky bluffs overlook the city and Pikes Peak. This fall trail event offers 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K distances, accommodating both short-distance trail runners and ultrarunners on the same race day. The course is 95 percent unpaved, beginning around 6,300 feet and reaching nearly 6,600 feet. The series, established in 2015, aims to showcase Palmer Park’s trail system to runners. It maintains a local feel with a 250-runner limit and no prize money, distinguishing it from large-city road races.

Spooky Sprint - Colorado Springs is a Halloween-themed running event in Colorado Springs, offering a Kid's Dash, an untimed 1 Mile, a 5k, 10k, and half marathon. It is designed for families and mixed-ability groups. Younger runners can do the short dash, walkers can select the mile, and runners seeking a timed effort can use the longer distances, which include chip timing, live results, and awards. A virtual option allows participation from another location while still receiving event merchandise. The race is part of the local Bodies Race Series, which focuses on accessible events and take-home gear. Registration for the 5k, 10k, and half marathon includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and finisher medal. The 1 Mile includes the same items but is untimed. The 5k and 10k also provide youth pricing for children 12 and under. Finish-line treats, free participant photos, costumes, and the Halloween theme contribute to a family outing atmosphere rather than a basic road race.

The Colorado Cold Rush Ultra begins and ends at Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs, situated at the base of the mountains. Snow is possible at higher elevations along the course. This winter trail race offers three distances: 50k, half marathon, and 10k. The 10k follows a lower-elevation dirt trail, accumulating 912 feet of elevation gain with a brief section of moderately technical terrain. The half marathon is a challenging out-and-back course along historic High Drive, featuring 2,847 feet of climbing. The 50k is the most demanding option, ascending 5,500 feet and crossing elevations from 6,175 to 9,090 feet. The 50k course starts at Bear Creek, ascends High Drive, proceeds onto Gold Camp Road, and turns around at the junction of Gold Camp and Old Stage Road. Participants will see views of Colorado Springs and pass through historic gold-rush tunnel areas, giving the route a distinct local character. Aid stations will provide Tailwind, Muir gels, fruit, soda, and assorted snacks. Cheyenne Canon offers hot food, including bacon, quesadillas, and potatoes. Crews can access North Cheyenne Canon with a standard vehicle, but the road to Gold Stage is narrow, winding, and washboarded, often experiencing snow, making 4WD highly advisable.

The Candy Cane Course in Colorado Springs, held at El Pomar Youth Sports Park, is a Christmas-themed running event. It is part of the annual Bodies Race Series and offers several distances: a 1-mile run, a 5k, a 12k, and a kid's dash for those 10 and under. The 1-mile and kid's dash are not timed, but the 5k and 12k use chip timing with live results and awards. The event is designed for families and casual runners alongside competitive racers. Registration provides a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal. Participants also receive complimentary race photos and post-race treats. Youth pricing is available for the 5k and 12k, and a virtual option allows participation for those who wish to receive the shirt and medal without attending in person.