The Summit 200 sends a small field of runners on a single 200-mile loop around Summit County, Colorado, based in Frisco. This is a mountain ultramarathon in the most direct sense: the entire course remains above 9,000 feet, gains approximately 40,000 feet, and reaches high points near 12,800 to 13,000 feet. Entry requires prior completion of a 100-miler, and the field is limited to 75 participants, making it designed for experienced ultrarunners, not casual first-timers.
The route connects hiking trails, recreation paths, forest roads, and brief paved sections, with a significant portion on single track or quiet forest roads. Runners are provided with 10 full aid stations, 4 sleep stations, drop bags, live GPS tracking, and a Garmin Messenger, which is important on a long, high-altitude loop with widely spaced aid. Most aid stations offer made-to-order hot food, with vegan choices available. Race directors Chase and Casey Hammond, themselves from the ultramarathon community, have designed their course around a straightforward concept: a unique 200-mile tour of Colorado’s high Rockies without any easy altitude relief.