Above the Clouds Ultra

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.