GoPro Mountain Games to characteristic 20K climbs to Mid-Vail for the primary time ever 

 The Vail Valley Foundation unveiled Friday a brand-new course for the adidas TERREX 20K Trail Run on the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games June 4-7, sending runners all the best way to Mid-Vail for the primary time within the occasion’s historical past.

The 20K on June 7 leaves behind its conventional two-lap format in favor of a single loop that climbs greater up Vail Mountain than the race has ever gone earlier than, gaining 2,500 toes of elevation and topping out at practically 9,900 toes. The course nonetheless begins and finishes in Nature Valley Mountain Plaza within the coronary heart of Vail Village, however the brand new design rewards runners with a true summit expertise and views that set it aside from practically every other 20K within the nation.

“The 20K has always been our most demanding trail race at the GoPro Mountain Games, and this year brings a new and exciting challenge for athletes,” stated Peggy Wolfe, senior director of operations for the Vail Valley Foundation. “This is a course for bold runners. The climb will test you, and the views waiting at Mid-Vail are the kind you won’t forget. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we can’t wait to share it with runners.”

The full 20K course might be unveiled within the coming days at mountaingames.com and within the Mountain Games app.

A full weekend of operating

The 20K is one among a number of operating occasions getting a refresh on the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games. The adidas TERREX Sunday Funday 5K debuts a brand-new course of its personal, and the adidas TERREX 10K Spring Runoff options an improved race format. With every Sunday operating race now by itself route, runners may have extra room to seek out their rhythm and race their greatest.

Support Local Journalism

Donate

The Nature Valley Mountain Mud Run is getting a refresh of its personal with the all-new Mega Mud Pit: a single, longer pit that replaces the 2 mud pits of years previous for one larger, muddier problem. As a part of the Mountain Games’ Protect Our Playground dedication to conserving water, the post-race rinse zone has additionally been changed this 12 months with a cleanup station stocked with rinse-free physique wipes from Rugged Revive and towels.

New for 2026, the Kids Mini Dash brings younger runners ages 6 to 12 into the enjoyable with each a protracted course (roughly 2K) and a brief course (roughly 1K). It joins a operating lineup that spans all ages and skill, together with the BFGoodrich Rocky Dog Fun Run, the adidas TERREX Après 5K, and adidas TERREX Pepi’s Face-Off. In all, the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games will host eight operating occasions throughout the four-day competition.

Registration costs enhance May 27

Registration for all 2026 GoPro Mountain Games competitions, together with the operating occasions, is open at mountaingames.com. Prices enhance on May 27, so athletes are inspired to register now for the very best accessible charge. Athletes obtain unique perks, together with an athlete bag filled with swag, reductions to Mountains of Music live shows, entry to the STōK Cold Brew Athlete Lounge, and extra. Spectating stays free and open to all.

Athletes already registered for the 20K who wish to alter their plans given the elevated climb can attain out to [email protected].

For the total occasion schedule, race programs and extra, go to mountaingames.com or obtain the Mountain Games app.