From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
IMPORTANT RACE DAY START TIME INFORMATION
Long - 99m 8:00am
Medium - 66m 9:00am
Short - 41m 9:15am
Run - 13.6m 9:30am
Vermejo is excited to announce the Third Annual Charcoal Burner Gravel Ride and Run, set for May 16th, 2026. Join us for an incredible experience at Vermejo Park Ranch, an expansive 558,000-acre property in the Southern Rockies, featuring closed private roads amidst the captivating wildlife.
For gravel bike enthusiasts, choose from our unique routes covering a variety of distances, or customize your ride to fit your preferred challenge. Runners can take on the half marathon, a 13.4-mile course through the scenic beauty of Vermejo Park Ranch.
The courses feature two-track ranch roads, rural dirt roads, and well-maintained gravel roads. Aid stations strategically placed along the routes will ensure your needs are met, with support provided for both the gravel ride and the half marathon.
Embark on this extraordinary journey, starting and ending at the only remaining historic charcoal ovens in New Mexico. Embrace the burn, and we look forward to welcoming you in May for a day of exhilarating races against the stunning backdrop of Vermejo Park Ranch.
Race Categories:
Gravel Bike
Long 99 miles Route
Payout top 5 overall men/women (combined min $4200) 1st $800 | 2nd $600 | 3rd $400 | 4th $200 | 5th $100
Podiums: Women Under 40 / Women 40+, Men under 40/ Men 40+
Medium 66 miles Route
Podiums Women Under 40 / Women 40+, Men under 40/ Men 40+
Short 41 miles - eBikes Permitted (see restrictions below) Route
Women Under 40 / Women 40+, Men under 40/ Men 40+
Gravel Run Route
13.1 mi. / 21 km - Women / Women 40+, Men / Men 40+
Packet Pickup/ Check-in - Saturday May 16th
Run 6:00am -8:30am
Ride 6:00am - 8:30am
Onsite Registration - CASH OR CHECK ONLY
Run 6:00am - 8:30am
Ride 6:00am - 8:30am
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the remote nature of Vermejo, cellular coverage is extremely limited. We HIGHLY recommend downloading the course map for offline usage.
eBikes-
Class 1 and 3 eBikes are permitted in the 41mile distance. Riders are not eligible for podiums.
The Master of the Mountains Adventure Relay challenges competitors from across the country to "master the mountains". Run through the rugged terrain of Sugarite Canyon State Park in Northeastern New Mexico, paddle a course on Lake Maloya at 7,500 feet, bike up to 8,500 feet over San Francisco Pass and into Southern Colorado, then prove your prowess on a challenging shotgun shooting course at Trinidad State College's Prator Gun Range.
(Originally known as the Master of the Mountains or the "MOM", then rebranded Purgatory 4 for a couple years and now back to its roots, the "MOM" starts in New Mexico with the run and paddle and then crosses into Colorado for the biking and shooting events. The final celebratory fun will be at the gun range.)
COURSE
Trail run (approx. 6 miles)
Paddling (approx. 3 miles)
Biking (approx. 15 miles on rugged dirt roads)
Shooting Course (shotgun)
Event details and schedule
The event begins the night before with a mandatory pre-race meeting at the St. Patrick/St. Joseph Parish Hall at 6pm. Here race packets are given out, the course is discussed, information is given and questions are answered.
The race starts at the south boat ramp of Lake Maloya in Sugarite Canyon State Park. The Race starts promptly at 8am. Parking at the starting line is limited to one support vehicle per participant or team. Carpooling is higly encouraged.
Weather in Raton this time of year very unpredictable. Please bring light layered clothes to accomodate the possible changes in temperature.
For more detailed information please visit the event website at www.ratonmom.com