Last updated August 31, 2024--
Gemini Adventures brings three challenging trail runs to the Land of Enchantment in Red River, New Mexico, with the Enchanted Forest Trail Races event. Runners can register for a Heavy Half course or continue for another thirteen miles to complete a full Marathon. The courses start and finish at Brandenburg Park in downtown Red River, an adventure town with stunning views surrounded by rivers and mountains. Both courses include the challenging trails in Carson National Forest and climb along the course of the Enchanted Forest cross-country ski area. Here at Strambecco, we consider Enchanted Forest to be one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest.
The Enchanted Forest Trail Races Marathon course offers big challenges and stunning views, encompassing approximately 25 miles with around 4,000 feet of elevation gain. At the Red River Visitor Center, racers will ascend the dirt Old Pass Road with picturesque peak views and reach the Switchback aid station at mile 4. Rolling terrain leads to the Enchanted Forest aid station at mile 7.4, where marathoners will complete a 5.5-mile loop through dense forests. Returning to town, they'll follow the singletrack river trail to the Base Camp aid station. The course then leads to the ski resort, where the most significant challenge awaits – ascending The Face, a steep ski slope with no trail, resulting in a rewarding finish at the top of the Platinum lift. Friends and family can greet runners there.
The Heavy Half Marathon offers a fun and challenging out-and-back course, covering 14.7 miles with over 1,700 feet of elevation gain. The start begins like the Marathon course, with runners going through town and ascending the dirt on Old Pass Road, enjoying scenic views. Most of the climbing occurs at the Switchback aid station around mile 4. Afterwards, they'll face rolling terrain to the turnaround point at the Enchanted Forest cross-country ski area (mile 7.4). The return will follow the same route back to town, and the finish line awaits on the singletrack river trail, providing a final challenging section for racers to conquer.
Six aid stations support the runners, including ones at the base and peak of the Enchanted Forest ski route. The aid stations are cupless, so participants need to bring their bottles to refill at stations. Aid stations will be stocked with ice water, gels, potato chips, skittle, and LMNT drink. Medical support is included in these areas to assist in any emergency. The after-party takes place right at the finish line in the park, and customized awards are given to the top men and female winners of the six age categories.
Red River is a great place to visit, with an active community and things to do in town, as well as hiking and horseback riding right outside of town. Red River prides itself on being "authentically warm with a touch of wild, reminiscent of the old West." The race course includes the family-friendly Red River Ski Area, offering various attractions like an aerial course, mini-golf, summer mountain tubing, disc golf, the pioneer flyer zip line, and mountain-top disc golf. Visitors can also take a scenic chairlift ride to witness their runners conquering The Face at approximately mile 20, with an aid station at the top for friends and family to gather and support. Red River offers an array of unique shopping, excellent restaurants, like Yesterday's Diner, Texas Reds Steakhouse, Red River Brewing Company & Distillery, and charming homemade candy and ice cream shops. Additionally, the town boasts a vibrant music scene featuring live performances almost every night. Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of hiking, fishing, and horseback riding trails in the surrounding area. For those interested in staying the full weekend, there are locally owned hotels downtown, such as Three Bears Lodge or Alpine Lodge, as well as multiple campgrounds and RV Parks close to town as well.
Gemini Adventures, founded in 2003 by passionate runners, cyclists, and adventurers, curates challenging backcountry racing experiences set against mesmerizing landscapes, primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. With events held in remote, scenic trails, participants can anticipate not just a race but a unique outdoor experience where the journey is as rewarding as the competition. Their primary events include the Desert RATS Trail Running Festival, which is part of the UTMB World Series, and Adventure Fest, which is a unique multi-sport experience in Fruita, CO and includes Sarlacc Attack 50K MTB, Fruita Trail Half Marathon, and Dirty Edge Gravel one of the Best Gravel Events in Colorado and the Rockies. In July, Enchanted Forest Trail Races, one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest, takes place as well as the multi-day Desert RATS 150 Kokopelli Stage Race take place. And to close out summer, the Mountain RATS Trail Runs and Mountain RATS Firebird 25 MTB event takes place in September.
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