at a glance: Race Date: August 15, 2026Race distances: 53K / 9.5 mile / 4.75 mile / 1 mile Kid’s DashRace Location: Cloudcroft, New MexicoCut-off times: 53K uses multiple cut-offs (first at 11:00 am at ~mile 13, second at 2:00 pm at ~mile 20, third at 4:30 pm at ~mile 26, final at 6:00 pm at ~mile 30)Start time: 7:00 am (53K) | 8:00 am (Kid’s Dash) | 8:30 am (4.75 mile) | 9:30 am (9.5 mile)Who this race is for: This event offers something for everyone—from the ultra-distance 53K for experienced trail racers, to the 9.5 mile and 4.75 mile options for intermediate runners, and a fun 1 mile Kid’s Dash for the younger set and families. All take place high in the mountains and are beginner-friendly in the shorter distances. Cloudcroft Ultra Join us high in the pines of the southern Rocky Mountains, at about 8,600 feet elevation, for the Cloudcroft Ultra. Set in the forest‑lush rim of the Sacramento Mountains near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, you’ll run on the historic Rim Trail (T105)—once logging
and homestead routes, now shaded single‑track and rail‑bed with sweeping views of the Tularosa Basin far below. Wanderlust Running sponsors SUMMIT LINE | PVT | Village of Cloudcroft | Grand Cloudcroft Hotel | Zuni Electric | Simply Mountain Cabins | Future Realty | Uptown Rentals | NM Bone & Joint Institute | Spur Landing | High Altitude | Preslar's Dirtworks | Farmer's Insurance | Cloudcroft Brewing Co. | RedWall Jewelry | Billy Goat Roll Off | Stephanie Gonzalez DPM | Tularosa Communications | Mountain Monthly Additional support provided by... Thanks to the partners who help make this event happen: Seeberger Dermatology, Cloudcroft Animal Hospital, Rocky Mountain Supply, First National Bank, Golden Sky Residential Construction, Otero County Electric, Aspen Trails Realty, PVT, Cloudcroft Reader, Back-in-Action Therapy, and Toby Collins. Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series Cloudcroft Ultra 53K is the second event in the inaugural Sacramento Mountains Ultra SeriesSet among the towering fir
and spruce of the Sacramento Mountains, just above the Tularosa Basin, this series takes you into one of New Mexico’s most beautiful and dramatic landscapes. Over three distinct summer-to-fall events based out of Cloudcroft (elevation ~8,676 ft), you’ll experience crisp mountain air, high-elevation single-track, historic rail-bed trails, and views that stretch from the desert floor to cloud-kissed ridges. Sign up once, commit to the full season, and race your way through memorable terrain.Register for the full series and save on your race entry! Register Here Summit Line - Course Guide Know the course before you're on it. Summit Line's course guide breaks down every climb, descent, and turn on this route, so you're not guessing when it counts. Check out the guide. Course information The 53K, 9.5 mile and 4.75 mile races are all out-and-back on the Rim Trail (T105). The Rim Trail was the first US Forest Service trail in New Mexico designated as a National Recreation Trail. You’ll pass
through stands of fir, pine and quaking aspen, and at various points enjoy vistas of the Tularosa Basin over 4,000 feet below. The 53K adds a “lollipop” loop at the turnaround segment, offering extra elevation and spectacular scenery near the summit portion. All races start and finish at the Pavilion in Zenith Park in Cloudcroft. A Kid’s Dash (1 mile) loops around Zenith Park, designed for ages 13&under and families.Here is the link for the 4.75 mile course: https://www.strava.com/activities/56762081049.5 mile course: https://www.strava.com/activities/150108763953k course: https://www.strava.com/activities/1567805776 Aid Station & Crew Access For the 53K there are six aid stations, stocked with water, sport drink, gels, pretzels, chips, candy, etc. Drop bags permitted for 53K at two locations (mile ~13 and ~20). For the 9.5 mile there are two aid stations. Pre- and post-race food is included; non-racers may purchase food for $5. Packet pickup opens Friday 5:00–6:00 pm at Pavilion in Zenith
Park next to the tennis courts, or Saturday morning ~45 minutes before your start. Awards will be distributed as you finish for 53K, 9.5 mile and Kid’s Dash. No formal ceremony for the 4.75 mile this year; check the posted QR at the pavilion for placement and pick up awards at the motorhome.Crew will have access to Aid Stations 1/6 and 3/4. This is an out and back with a lollipop loop at the end so you will hit the same aid stations twice.1/6 - Just before mile marker 1 on the Sunspot Hwy (Rd 6563), Rim Trail Parking #23/4 - Just after mile marker 6 on the Sunspot Hwy, take a right onto Alamo Peak Road just after the log cabin (paved road with a cattle guard). This is a one lane road so go SLOW for just about a mile and you will see the aid station Shirts For guaranteed shirt size register sooner than later - I cannot guarantee your size or a shirt if you wait to register. All finishers earn Custom designed shirtsUnique finisher medals Registration 53K: $90 through Dec 31 2025; $100 Jan
1–May 31 2026; $105 after June 1–Aug 22 20269.5 mile: $50 through Dec 31 2025; $60 Jan 1–May 31 2026; $65 after June 1–Aug 22 20264.75 mile: $40 through Dec 31 2025; $50 Jan 1–May 31 2026; $55 after June 1–Aug 22 2026Kid’s Dash: $15 through Dec 31 2025; $20 after Jan 1 2026 Practical Details All events are non-refundableGuaranteed shirt sizes only if you register earlyLocation: Zenith Park Pavilion, Cloudcroft, NM (in the Sacramento Mountains, elevation approx. 8,600’)Drop bags allowed for 53K and available at specified aid stationsChip timing for all distancesCrew access: for 53K, crew allowed at Aid Stations 1/6 and 3/4. Directions: Aid 1/6 near mile marker 1 on Sunspot Hwy; Aid 3/4 via Alamo Peak Rd (1-lane, drive slowly) Wanderlust Running This event is organized by Wanderlust Running, hosts of premiere endurance events across the American Southwest. Learn more at wanderlust.run. Event's current local time: 2:16 AM MT