Last Updated April 2, 2024
Please note the 2024 event has been cancelled.
The Mountain RATS Trail Runs is a popular trail running event with three course options in Colorado taking place in September in Eagle, Colorado, and rated by Strambecco as one of the best trail running events in the Rockies. Brought to you by Gemini Adventures, the event is part of the Mountain RATS Festival which also includes a mountain biking event the same day, Mountain RATS Firebird 25, one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in Colorado and the Rockies. The race organizer, Gemini Adventures, helps make this a true end-of-summer outdoor celebration, bringing athletes to Eagle Ranch with the festival of fun and endurance challenge.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Eagle, this unique trail running event serves as the perfect amalgamation of grueling athleticism and scenic beauty. As fall beckons, riders from all over gather to test their skills, endurance, and passion against the backdrop of the rugged trails of the Rockies. And it’s not just about the race; it’s a celebration, a coming together of the community to herald the changing seasons with food, music, and camaraderie.
Event & Course Info
Participants at Mountain RATS Trail Runs can test their limits on trails that showcase the breathtaking beauty of Eagle, with distances ranging from a heavy half marathon to a challenging 50K.
50K Ultra Marathon: Starting in Eagle Ranch, racers transition from paved roads onto dirt trails, climbing challenging terrains through aspen groves, high desert, and offering magnificent views. The course covers 29.4 mi with a climb of 5,500ft, ranging from 6,613’ to 9,138’. Racers encounter 7 aid stations and the finish cutoff is 6:00pm.
Marathon: Sharing a majority of its course with the 50K, the marathon offers participants a taste of Colorado’s scenic trails before diverging at the School House I aid station and culminating in the Mountain Rats Festival. The course covers 23.6 miles with 4,500’+ of climbing, spanning from 6,613’ to 9,138’, and marathoners will pass through 6 aid stations along the course. Finish cutoff is also 6:00pm.
Heavy Half Marathon: Beginning in the heart of Eagle Ranch, participants of the Heavy Half Marathon will traverse diverse terrains, from the steady climbs of Elmer’s Trail to the exciting descents of the Star Wars Trail. The course features 14.8 miles, boasting 2,500’+ of climbing, ranging from 6,613’ to 7,942’, and 4 aid stations along the way.
After pushing your limits, racers can bask in the festivities, enjoying a hot meal, cold beer, live music, and more, making it a memorable weekend for both runners and their supporters. Each finisher will receive a memento upon completing their respective race. Age group awards are given to the top 3 placers, with the fastest male and female runners between the Firebox and Dead Cow Aid Station earning a cash prize of $100. Overall winners for each distance get complimentary entries to next year’s event, and unique cowbell awards await the top three male and female finishers.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Colorado is gorgeous all year, but September in Eagle for the Mountain RATS Trail Runs is a great way to end the summer and welcome fall before preparing for ski season. The host hotel for the event is Quality Inn and Suites, however there are plenty of other options in the area such as Beaver Creek Lodge and the Westin. If you prefer a more home-like experience, there are tons of vacation rentals to choose from from riverside homes to condos. Although it will start to get chilly at night during this time of year, there are also many campgrounds and one of a kind camping locations in the surrounding area.
For those looking for meals beyond the festival, there are many options in Eagle, Edwards, Vail, or nearby at Copper Mountain Resort. The area boast a diverse culinary scene that reflects its mountainous charm, with a mix of rustic eateries, contemporary bistros, and farm-to-table offerings that highlight local produce and Colorado flavors. From hearty mountain fare to innovative dishes, the region provides a gastronomic adventure set against a backdrop of natural beauty. Local restaurants include Mamma’s Italiano, The Eagle BBQ, and High Rockies Whiskey and Wine Bar. One of our personal favorites in Eagle is Hovey & Harrison.
Eagle serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially as the summer heat transitions into the crisp embrace of fall. As mid-September starts to paints the landscape with hues of gold and red, athletes will find a treasure trove of activities awaiting them. If you are looking for some mountain bike trails, one of the most popular trails is the Boneyard Loop, which promises exhilarating descents and challenging climbs. With views overlooking the town and the distant mountains, it’s an idyllic route for both beginner and advanced riders. Also, think about exploring the Haymaker Trail, known for its flowy nature.
For those who prefer their adventures on foot, the Sylvan Lake State Park offers an exquisite tapestry of trails suitable for hiking and trail running. Just a short drive from Eagle, the park’s main attraction, Sylvan Lake, is encircled by scenic trails that offer panoramic views of the water against a backdrop of aspen trees, especially radiant during the fall. One recommended route is the Sneve Gulch Loop, a moderately challenging trail spanning roughly 6 miles, perfect for a mid-September excursion when the aspen leaves start to shimmer in golden glory.
Finally, the Eagle River, with its clear waters and abundant trout population, is a dream destination for fly fishers. By mid-September, brown and rainbow trout are active, making it an ideal time for both novice and experienced anglers to test their skills. Several local outfitters offer guided trips, ensuring that visitors get the most out of their fly fishing experience. The stretch near Chambers Park is particularly recommended for its serene environment and healthy fish population.
Related Events
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.
