Silverheels Trail Runs

BACK FOR OUR 3RD YEAR!

June 26 - 28 2026 | Alma, Colorado | Elevation: 10,600 ft

Get ready for a weekend of epic outdoor adventure at 10,600 feet in beautiful Alma, Colorado—the highest incorporated town in North America! Whether you love mountain biking, trail running, off-road duathlon, or simply camping under the stars, our grassroots dirt festival has something for everyone.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS!

• Free Kids' Bike & Run Races (ages 12 & under) - Friday, June 26 1:00 PM Alma Town Park

• Mountain Bike Racing (Saturday, June 27)

• OFF-Road Duathlon -Run + Bike (Saturday, June 27)

• Trail Running (Sunday, June 28)

Love to run with your four-legged training partner? Leashed dogs are welcome in our Sunday Trail 10K—sign up for our special Doggie Division and hit the trails together.

THE COURSES

Our courses feature a fun mix of single-track, forest service roads, and graded county roads. Each loop includes:

✔️ Two big climbs

✔️ Fast, fun descents

✔️ Classic high-country terrain

WHAT TO EXPECT

With the Dirt Festival, you can expect a fabulous grassroots race hosted by the Alma Foundation and the Town of Alma, Colorado—one of those rare mountain communities where local pride, volunteer spirit, and genuine hospitality turn a race weekend into a shared celebration.

Camp at the start line in a pristine alpine meadow framed by 14,000-foot peaks and put your endurance and grit to the test on our demanding mountain bike and trail run courses. Prefer to focus on one discipline at a time? Ride on Saturday, run on Sunday—your weekend, your challenge.

Discounted Camping: Athletes get 50% off camping with race entry. Camping opens Thursday morning, but early arrival is welcome with a camping pass (email us in advance!).

Please bring your own water and camping essentials to be a comfy, happy camper. Porta Potties will be available in the meadow.

Race Categories & Awards:

Overall Awards: Top Men, Women & Non-Binary in each race format

Age Group Awards:

• U23

• 24-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60+

High School & Middle School Divisions

We have added a new age division based on parent feedback.

• Middle Schools Athletes (male and female ages 11-14

• High School Athletes 15 - 18

We’re excited to bring these back after a huge success in 2025!

Parents & Coaches: Want to race alongside your young athlete? You can jump into the High School/Middle School wave for free! Just email us after your athlete registers, and we’ll send you a free entry code.

Volunteers Needed – Earn Discounted Race Entry OR FREE Camping!

Volunteer Sign UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4CAEAB2AA1F58-61885436-alma#/

2025 RESULTS: Race Results - Race in the Clouds - ITS YOUR RACE

See you in the clouds!

The Burro Buster 5k is a fun, family friendly, 5k in one of America's highest incorporated towns. Join us in Fairplay on the 4th of July on our run through town! The course lies inside of the town limits and starts and finishes in front of the historic Hand Hotel & Emporium. Your terrain will include asphalt, dirt, rocks, stairs, and some hills. You will also enjoy great views, a river, historic buildings, lack of oxygen (9,953' above sea level!) and fun! There will be NO water station on course. Water will be available at the beginning and end of the race.

This event benefits the Town of Fairplay Scholarship Fund.

Start your morning the Alma way — with a little fresh mountain air, some movement, and a big stack of pancakes.

Join us for the Firefighter 5K, a laid-back community run where everyone is welcome. Bring your kids, your dog, your friends — run, jog, walk, or just saunter your way through beautiful Alma. This event is all about getting outside, having fun, and kicking off the day together.

After the run, head over to the NW Fire Protection District Fire Station for a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by IAFF Union Local 5227.

Even better, proceeds from the race entry fees will support the Firefighter Union’s selected charity, so every step you take helps support a great cause.

Come for the run.

Stay for the pancakes.

Celebrate community in the highest incorporated town in North America.

The first year of the World Championship Pack Burro Race in 1949 saw 21 entrants with only 8 finishing the race. These days there are nearly 100 racers and burros that take on this historic challenge. Some choose the “lower altitude” short course of approximately 12.3 miles while others take on the long course and attempt the grueling climb to the top of Mosquito Pass and back, 29+ miles and an elevation change of 3,232'! The racers start at 9,953 feet in Fairplay with long course runners hitting their halfway point at the top of Mosquito Pass, elevation 13,185'!

Short Course Map

Long Course Map

***Disclaimer: Staff are currently discussing a time limit for each course. Racers will have until a certain time to reach a specified checkpoint. If they reach the checkpoint after the required time, they will be directed to turn around and will receive a DNF.

Free race photos provided by Pack Burro Racing Photographers at PBRphotos.org