The Vail Recreation District invites trail runners to take on the third annual Cougar Ridge Classic 26K on Saturday, Sept. 26! This challenging point-to-point sub-ultra race takes runners up and over Vail Mountain before descending into the heart of Minturn, combining challenging terrain, spectacular views and peak fall colors for an unforgettable day on the trails.
NEW for 2026 – racers who are looking for a shorter option will enjoy the Cougar Cub 14K, which starts at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola on Vail Mountain!
Registration is available at register.vailrec.com. This race is capped at 175 participants, so sign up early to reserve your spot!
Cougar Ridge Classic 26K
The race begins at 7 a.m. in Vail Village, giving you a brief warm-up before the start of the climb on steep singletrack. In no time, you’ll be pushing toward nearly 11,000 feet above sea level. Navigate roots and rocks as you ascend, then settle into a steady rhythm along smooth singletrack en route to Eagle’s Nest. At the summit, pause to savor the moment and take in sweeping views of the Gore Range and Mount of the Holy Cross. From there, enjoy the flowy trails across Game Creek Bowl before descending Cougar Ridge singletrack all the way into downtown Minturn.
While you’re ascending nearly 3,500 feet over 16.1 miles, we’ll be busy supporting you along the way. For safety reasons, the Eagle’s Nest cut-off time will be strictly enforced. However, there will be plenty of water, snacks, and volunteers at each aid station to encourage you to refuel and keep clawing your way up the trail.
26K Course Stats
- True Distance: 16.1 miles | 25.9K
- Elevation Gain: 3,439′
- Elevation Loss: 3,795′
- High Point: 10,979′
- Low Point: 7,830′
- Running Surface: 84% singletrack | 10% dirt/gravel road | 6% paved road
Cougar Cub 14K
The Cougar Cub 14K starts at 9 a.m. at Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain and follows the Cougar Ridge Classic course all the way to Minturn. Racers will access the start via the Eagle Bahn gondola; spectators will also be welcome to ride the gondola at that time.
The 14K will run approximately one mile around the top of Eagle’s Nest before merging onto the Cougar Ridge Classic route at Aid Station #3.
This event is capped at 75 racers, so sign up early to reserve your spot!
14K Course Stats
- True Distance: 8.9 miles | 14.3K
- Elevation Gain: 591′
- Elevation Loss: 3053′
- High Point: 10,681′
- Low Point: 7,830′
- Running Surface: 82% singletrack | 8% dirt/gravel road | 10% paved road
View a course map of both races here.
After-Party & Awards
After the races, join your fellow runners in the Town of Minturn to celebrate and toast to everyone who conquered both courses; racers get a free beer from Vail Brewing Company or non-alcoholic beer from Best Day Brewing at the finish expo!
Stay cozy after the race with this year’s custom racer gift: a Cougar Ridge Classic sweatshirt.
Racers can also enjoy a complimentary lunch at participating Minturn restaurants by presenting the lunch voucher included on their race bib.
The top three men and women in the Cougar Ridge Classic 26K will be rewarded with a cash prize, while the first, second and third places in each category for age group/gender in the 26K and the 14K will receive a tangible prize. Even if you don’t find yourself on the podium, stick around for a chance to win some great gear in the raffle!
Preregistration & Bib Pickup
Pre-race activities and packet pickup will be held for all racers on Friday, Sept. 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Gravity House Vail. If you can’t make it to the Friday packet pickup, 26K racers can pick up their bib between 6-6:50 a.m. on race day, Saturday, Sept. 26. 14K racers can pick up their bib between 7:30-8:20 a.m. on race day, Saturday, Sept. 26.
Cost for both distances is $100 preregistered and $115 for day-of registration (if space is available). Preregistration is available at register.vailrec.com.
Parking
Due to the point-to-point nature of the race, you may park in the Vail Village Parking structure, the Lionshead Parking Structure, the Minturn Municipal Lot or the Minturn Train Yard. Shuttles from Minturn to Vail will be available before and after the race. Carpooling is highly encouraged! Learn more about parking in Vail here.
Race Day Schedule (subject to change)
6:00 & 6:30 a.m. Minturn to Vail Shuttles – drop off at Gravity Haus for 26K
7:30 a.m. Shuttle drop off at Lionshead for 14K
6-6:50 a.m. 26K Day-of Packet Pickup at Gravity Haus
7 a.m. 26K Race Start at Gravity Haus
7:30 -8:20 a.m.14K Day-of Packet Pickup at Lionshead Welcome Center
8:30-9 a.m. Eagle Bahn gondola opens for 14K racers & spectators
9 a.m. 14K Race Start at Eagle’s Nest
9:45 a.m. Eagle’s Nest Cut-Off for 26K racers
10 a.m.-2 p.m. After-Party in Minturn
11:30 a.m. Awards in Minturn
1 p.m. Finish line closes
Racer Manual
View and download our 2026 Racer Manual with all the info you need to know for both the Cougar Ridge Classic 26K and the Cougar Cub 14K!
Race details are available at www.vailrec.com. Registration is available at register.vailrec.com. For more information or to become a race volunteer, call the VRD Sports Department at 970-479-2280 or email sports@vailrec.com.
A big thank you to all of our amazing sponsors for supporting the Cougar Ridge Classic. This race wouldn’t be possible without the support of Discover Vail, the Town of Minturn, Howard Head Sports Medicine, The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Gravity Haus, Vail Daily, Vail Brewing Company, Best Day Brewing Company and Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea.
About the Vail Recreation District
The Vail Recreation District’s mission is to offer diverse and exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being of all its residents and guests. The VRD aims to help Vail Valley residents and visitors pursue their recreational passions by providing activities in summer and winter including: running, whitewater and mountain bike races; numerous tournaments and/or leagues for hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, golf, tennis, soccer, flag football and pickleball; venues like Dobson Ice Arena, Vail Golf Club, Vail Nordic Center, Vail Gymnastics Center, Vail Skatepark, Bill Wright Tennis Center, Golden Peak Pickleball Center, Community Programming and Imagination Station; use of additional gyms, playing fields and the surrounding White River National Forest via collaboration with local entities; and a variety of youth camps and programs.