Ned Ned Trail Fest 2025 – Rated

Name: Ned Ned Trail Fest 2025 – Rated
Start: 2025-09-13T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-13T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Nederland, CO

September 13

Updated October 25, 2024 - NOTE: the 2025 event date is not confirmed

The Ned Ned Trail Fest, held in September in Nederland, Colorado, is a long-standing trail running event that celebrates over 40 years of trail running legacy. Organized by Peak to Peak Endurance, the producers of Ned Gravel and Longmont Gravel, this race takes place in the picturesque town of Nederland, offering participants stunning views and challenging courses. The event features three race distances: a half marathon, 10k, and 5k, making it accessible to runners of all levels. Costumes are encouraged for the fun 5k, and participants are welcome to bring their dogs on a leash for this race, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Ned Ned Trail Fest is part of the Colorado Mountain Half Marathon Series, featuring five iconic Colorado mountain half+ marathons. Strambecco rates the Ned Ned Trail Fest as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Rocky Mountains and one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in Colorado. The Ned Ned Trail Fest is known for its family-friendly vibe and beautiful, rugged terrain, as well as its proximity to a hotbed of elite and amateur runners. Runners will enjoy winding through Old Town Nederland, with each race distance offering a unique combination of dirt roads and single-track mountain trails. The day concludes with post-race celebrations featuring live music, local food, and beer, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

Event Course & Info

The Ned Ned Trail Fest offers three distinct race options, each designed to showcase the beauty and challenge of Colorado’s mountain trails. Whether runners are tackling the historic half marathon or enjoying the festive 5k, they can expect well-supported courses with aid stations, a vibrant atmosphere, and stunning views.

The half marathon is the signature event of the Ned Ned Trail Fest and part of the Colorado Mountain Half Marathon Series, making it one of the state's longest-running trail half marathons. The 13.3-mile course offers a challenging yet rewarding journey through dirt roads and single-track mountain trails, featuring 1,408 feet of elevation gain. Runners will experience breathtaking scenery throughout the race, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
With two well-stocked aid stations—the first at West Magnolia Trailhead (mile 5.8) and the second at East Magnolia Trailhead (mile 9.5)—half marathon participants are well-supported. These stations offer SIS gels, Carbo Rocket electrolyte drinks, water, soda, and a variety of snacks. As a cupless race, participants must bring their own hydration bottles or purchase a reusable Hydrapak cup.

The 10k course covers 6.3 miles and includes 712 feet of elevation gain, making it both challenging and fun. This race gives runners the perfect mix of dirt roads and single-track trails, offering enough variety to keep things interesting without being too grueling. It’s ideal for those who want to push themselves without committing to the half marathon. The 10k also features one aid station at West Magnolia Trailhead (mile 3), providing hydration and energy to help runners finish strong.

The 5k race is a community favorite, known for its family-friendly vibe, costumes, and inclusion of dogs (on leash) for the run. The 5k route takes participants on a scenic out-and-back course starting from TEENS, Inc. and heading to Nederland High School before returning to the start. This festive event is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and enjoyable experience, with the added bonus of supporting a great cause. With a water station halfway through, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy a fun day out on the trails.

The Ned Ned Trail Fest has limited spots available for each race distance, so early registration is recommended to secure a place. The half marathon starts at 8:00 AM, followed by the 10k at 9:00 AM and the 5k at 9:30 AM. While there are no strict completion cutoff times, participants are encouraged to finish the race within a reasonable time to maintain the event's flow. The top three overall finishers in each race category—male, female, and non-binary—will be recognized during the awards ceremony at 12:00 PM. Post-race festivities begin at 10:30 AM, featuring live music, food from the San Guchito Food Truck, and beer from Oskar Blues Brewery, with all runners receiving one free beer with their race bib and ID. The event expo wraps up around 2:00 PM, providing ample time for participants to celebrate, socialize, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Check out the official 2024 Race Guide to get a sense of all of the nitty gritty details.

Area Accommodations & Things to Do

More coming soon! But here are a few of our local favorite places to eat: Crosscut Pizza, New Moon Bakery, Kathmandu, Salto Coffee Works, Decent Bagel, and the Mountain People's Co-op for groceries and grab-n-go items.

There are a few easy kid activities within walking distance like the Carousel of Happiness, Wild Bear Nature Center and Chipeta Park.

Related Events

Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountains region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides: