Join us August 5, 12, 19 & 26 for a fun series of shorter midweek trail races.
Our goal is to offer a fun, low-key series of races designed to give newer trail runners an opportunity to dip their toes into the trail racing waters, and to offer more experienced trail racers a chance to sharpen their speed on shorter, quicker courses. All races will start at 6:00pm, ranging in distance from 5k to 12k. Results will be tabulated according to chip times, with series points awarded for each race. Top series finishers will earn unique awards.
We'll have a wide selection of vintage Gnar race shirts, and all registrants are welcome to their pick to call their own.
After each race, we will be providing pizza with support from the Fort Collins Running Club and beverages with support from New Belgium Brewing.
Race dates and distance are as follows:
August 5: Flat and Fast Eltuck Valley 5k (250′ elevation gain)
August 12: Into the Hills Eltuck 5k (700′ elevation gain)
August 19: Into the Hills Eltuck 10k (1,700′ elevation gain)
August 26: Flat and Fast Eltuck Valley 12k (500′ elevation gain)
- Start: Lory State Park, Eltuck Picnic Area, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Distance: 5k - 12k
- Dates: August 2026
- Time: 6:00pm
- Cost:
- Thru 6/30: $25 each race or $80 for the series
- 7/1 & After: $30 each race or $100 for the series
- Special pricing of $10/race for Ages 17 & Under. Price change will be automatically applied based on registrant's Date of Birth before final checkout on RunSignup.
All race participants are welcome to a free vintage shirt from previous Gnar races (your choice and as available). Awards will be given out at the end of the series to top points scorers.
We acknowledge and respect those who experience their gender identity in ways outside of the traditional male/female dichotomy, and are trying our best to provide non-binary opportunities in both the registration and results to reflect that. For the purposes of awards, non-binary runners will be eligible in their birth gender pool.
Race dates and distance are as follows. Click the race link to view the course map
Transfer Credit & Distance Change Policy
If you are not able to race, we can offer a 75% race transfer credit that can be applied to any future Gnar Runners race (valid for 12 months). We can also directly transfer your entry to another race in the series for the same year, assuming the new race is not sold out. Transfers/Credits can be requested any time up until 72hrs before the start of each race in the series. To request a transfer credit please Contact Us.
Cancellation Policy
With the exception of waitlist transfers, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event the race is cancelled due to extreme weather, fire, disease or for some other unforeseeable event, we cannot offer refunds or credits.
Rules
- Purposeful littering is prohibited and will result in an immediate disqualification.
- Stay on the trail. No bushwhacking or short cutting. In case of wet trail conditions, please run through any muddy sections to avoid widening the trail. Yield to pedestrian and horses. Mountain bikers should yield to runners, but please use common sense in all circumstances.
- If coming up on a slower runner or regular park user while on trail, please give an early verbal notice that you are approaching and wait for the hiker/runner to step off to the side before passing.
- No mechanical aid (poles, traction devices, etc.) unless approved by race staff prior to the race for a specific reason.
- Dogs are not allowed on the course with runners.
- If you do not have an annual Colorado State Parks Pass or a pass with your vehicle registration, you will need to purchase a day pass ($10) when you enter the park.
- Parking will be at the Eltuck Picnic Area until filled, after which we will direct cars to the nearby Spur Road. For those parking on the Spur Road, it will be a short walk to the start.
- Bibs will be available for pick up at the race start from 5:00pm. Chips will be pre-attached to your bib. If you are running multiple races in the series, please keep your bib to reuse in your next race(s).
Aid, Etc
These are no frills, basic races. There is no on-course aid.
There are two permanent toilets at the start/finish of each race. Additionally, the Valley 5K goes past park restrooms at the 0.25 and 1.5mi marks; the Hilly 5K & 10K go past a park restroom at the 0.25mi mark, and the Valley 12K goes past park restrooms at 0.25, 3.8, 6.1 & 6.3mi marks.
