at a glance:
- Race Date: August 15, 2026
- Race distances: 53K / 9.5 mile / 4.75 mile / 1 mile Kid’s Dash
- Race Location: Cloudcroft, New Mexico
- Cut-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.
Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series
Cloudcroft Ultra 53K is the second event in the inaugural Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series
Set 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
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/5676208104
9.5 mile course: https://www.strava.com/activities/1501087639
53k 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 #2
3/4 - 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 shirts
- Unique finisher medals
Registration
- 53K: $90 through Dec 31 2025; $100 Jan 1–May 31 2026; $105 after June 1–Aug 22 2026
- 9.5 mile: $50 through Dec 31 2025; $60 Jan 1–May 31 2026; $65 after June 1–Aug 22 2026
- 4.75 mile: $40 through Dec 31 2025; $50 Jan 1–May 31 2026; $55 after June 1–Aug 22 2026
- Kid’s Dash: $15 through Dec 31 2025; $20 after Jan 1 2026
Practical Details
- All events are non-refundable
- Guaranteed shirt sizes only if you register early
- Location: Zenith Park Pavilion, Cloudcroft, NM (in the Sacramento Mountains, elevation approx. 8,600’)
- Drop bags allowed for 53K and available at specified aid stations
- Chip timing for all distances
- Crew 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: 7:59 AM MT
