The Ned Ned Trail Fest 2026, 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 2026 is part of the Colorado Mountain Half Marathon Series, featuring five iconic Colorado mountain half+ marathons. Strambecco rates the Ned Ned Trail Fest 2026 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 half marathon is the signature event 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. 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. 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.

The half marathon starts at 8:00 AM, followed by the 10k at 9:00 AM and the 5k at 9:30 AM. 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.