General Information

Wild Horse Gravel Run

Set in the rugged high-desert canyon country of western Colorado, the Wild Horse Gravel Run starts and finishes in the heart of the historic town of De Beque. Runners can choose from two distances, the Desperado 55K and the Wild Horse Half Marathon. Each follows backcountry gravel roads with wide-open views of the terrain around De Beque, and the Desperado adds remote trail. This is a destination race that pairs a challenging course with real western hospitality.

Desperado 55K

35.0 miles | 2,559 ft of elevation gain

The Desperado 55K is the long run of the weekend and its most varied course. Runners leave downtown De Beque on Minter Avenue, 2nd Street and 44 Road, then turn onto V 2/10 Road for a long stretch of runnable gravel. At about mile 11.5 the course turns onto South Road, then drops onto the signature section of the race: the Sulphur Gulch Trail, nearly six miles of true singletrack through the gulch. From there, runners follow remote BLM trail and two-track through quiet backcountry before rejoining 2/10 Road and V 2/10 Road for the return to a finish downtown.

With gravel road, singletrack and backcountry two-track, the Desperado suits experienced trail and ultra runners, and strong marathoners ready for their first ultra.

Wild Horse Half Marathon

13.1 miles | 784 ft of elevation gain

The Wild Horse Half Marathon is a scenic, runnable course on gravel roads. Runners leave downtown on Minter Avenue, 2nd Street and 44 Road, then head out V 2/10 Road. At mile 4 the course turns onto V 3/10 Road for a gradual out-and-back climb, where the views open up the higher you go. After the turnaround comes a rewarding descent back along V 3/10 Road and V 2/10 Road to the finish in town.

It's a good fit for first-time gravel runners and experienced racers chasing a fast time.

More Than a Race

The Wild Horse Gravel Run is a full weekend of adventure and celebration. Runners and their families can enjoy:

A country cookout to refuel after the finish
Live local music from Western Slope performers
Campfires and camping close to the start and finish
A lively hoedown to close out the weekend

With pristine gravel roads, dramatic scenery and a welcoming small town, De Beque offers a setting unlike any other. Whether you're here to push your limits or enjoy a scenic run with friends new and old, the Wild Horse Gravel Run is about camaraderie, connection and the thrill of the open road.

Soak in the beauty, savor the moments, and be part of an unforgettable weekend in De Beque!

Event's current local time: 11:01 PM MT