Never Summer 100k Race Reports and Info

Summary: Never Summer 100k is a challenging loop course, mountain race with extended periods of high alpine ridge running, two alpine peaks, and five alpine lakes, with much of its challenging terrain between 10,000-12,000 feet. Runners will run on a variety of terrain, from cross country, to jeep and logging roads, to alpine trail, and everything in between and often not very trail-like, leading runners across meadows and streams and likely seeing elk, moose and bighorn sheep. Come prepared for beautiful views but also trails that will challenge you to earn them!

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Cell service is limited, so make sure you as a runner and spectators/crew know where to go, rules, etc. Print runner handbook pre-race for directions.
  • Cupless aid stations except for cups for soda but cups cannot be carried out of aid station
  • All runners must have the capacity to carry a *minimum* of 20 oz of water, whether in a bottle or a hydration pack
  • Crewing only allowed at aid stations, nowhere else along the course
  • Hiking poles are allowed
  • Watch for course markings at all times, especially turns, and know that the best looking trails aren’t always the course trails
  • Other users on the trail like day hikers and horses, so be courteous and share the trail
  • 3rd climb up to Diamond Peak goes straight up on seemingly no trail – be ready for steep!
  • Section on the Yurt Trail is infamously slow, like 10 miles could take 4 hours because of the footing on loose talus
  • Out and back section between aid stations 39.4 and 43.9 – expect the trail to be crowded to share the singletrack and be ready for a mental low if you’re doing the climbing and being passed by happy runners descending
  • Have a plan for a headlamp if there’s a chance you’ll go beyond sunset (and there’s likely a very good chance!)
  • Practice hiking, as you’re likely to do a lot of it
  • Have warm clothes in a drop bag for running in the dark, as temps drop fast in Colorado once the sun goes down
  • Also have warm clothes for post-race
  • Expect to run hours slower than what you think you’d run a trail 100k in – many race reports indicate that the course was much more difficult than expected, not only because of the terrain, but also the climbs and the altitude

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 13,000/13,000

Ft/mile gain: 202

Total climbs: 7 major climbs of 2×2000-2500ft, 3×1200-1700ft, 2×750-1000

Course Map/Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 9

Furthest distance apart: 11.4 miles

Locations: Miles 11.4, 17.2, 23.2, 29.4, 39.4, 43.9, 50.1, 55.8, 62

What’s available: Vfuel gel and sports drink, water and ice and an assortment of items depending on weather, what time of day, etc. including items like: Pretzels, potato chips, corn chips, fruit, cookies, M&M’s, gummy bears, soda,  sandwich rolls, boiled potatoes, and later aid stations serving runners through the night will offer hot ramen, broth, and coffee/cocoa.

Crew access

Access Locations: Miles 17.2, 29.4 (hike-in only), 50.1 (hike-in only), 55.8, 62, start/finish

Crew Map

Crew Directions (starting on page 11). Be sure to read crew and pacer rules.

Pacers

Yes, pacers can start at Canadian (50.1) or Bockman Road (55.8). For runners over the age of 60, pacers can start at the Ruby Jewel aid station (29.4).

Race qualifiers

Western States 100 (must finish under 23 hours)

UTMB – Double check since UTMB rules keep changing!

Race reports

Never Summer 100K Race Report

Race: Never Summer 100K Runner: Team RunRun Coach Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott Race Date: 07/27/2024 Location: Walden, CO Result: 19 hours, 59 minutes and 58 seconds; Overall: 98 DP: 24 Women's winner Lindsey Anderson still smiling at the top of a tough summit during the Never Summer 100K. PC: Rosy Southwell 3 ...

Never Summer 100k Race Report – Bucky Love

Race: Never Summer 100K Runner: Bucky Love Race Date: 7/31/2021 Location: State Forest State Park, Gould CO. Results: 18 hours 42 mins Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5719248082 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? 1. I would say the scenery for this one, except the ...
never summer 100k race report

Never Summer 100k Race Report – Matt Urbanski

Race: Never Summer 100k Runner: Matt Urbanski Race Date: 07/27/2019 Location: Gould, CO Results: 3rd OA, 13:02:10 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2571413940 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? Scenery - I rarely pay too much attention to this aspect of racing and am more into ...

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1737736906

https://www.strava.com/activities/1736452493

Race Website

http://gnarrunners.com/never-summer-100k/

Runner handbook