The Blue Sky Ascent

(formerly the Mt. Evans Ascent)

America’s highest road race

RACE DATE: SunDAY June 28, 2026

NEW WEBSITE IN PROGRESS - REGISTRATION OPENS SHORTLY

Although the air will be noticeably thin at the starting line, Echo Lake's 10,600 feet of elevation is just the beginning. The climb totals nearly 4,000 vertical feet - much of it above treeline - as you make your way 14.5 miles to the finish line located at the summit of one of the most recognizable peaks on Denver's mountain skyline - 14,264 foot Mt. Blue Sky.

Be inspired!!!

Join us for another memorable run. Spectators will include Bighorn Sheep, Marmots, and Mountain Goats - maybe even a few people!!!

GENERAL INFORMATION for ascent & round trip

SAME RACE, NEW NAME: It has been a long time coming, but on September 15, 2023, Mt. Evans was renamed Mount Blue Sky. For details on the background behind the name change, Click this link.

ROAD CLOSURE: For runner safety, the Mt. Blue Sky Auto Road will be closed to vehicular traffic during the event. This includes spectators and cyclists. The road will be closed on the evening of Saturday June 27th, and the road will reopen once we reach the finish line cutoff at 2:00pm on Sunday. Spectators are not allowed to camp on the mountain. Any spectators who attempt to camp along the course will cause their runner to be disqualified from the race.

ASCENT COURSE RECORD BONUS: Ascent course record bonuses are $500 for men and women. The men's course record stands at 1:37:01 and the women's course record stands at 1:55:38. Additional details are available on the Awards page.

OVERALL and MASTER'S PRIZE MONEY: In 2025, the top-3 overall male and female finishers in the Ascent will win $200, $150, and $100 cash prizes for their performances on the mountain. Overall top-3 finishers will not be eligible for awards in their age group. The fastest male and female master's finishers in the Ascent (age 40+) will win a $100 cash bonus in addition to the first place award in their age group. If a master runner places top-3 overall in their gender they will receive both overall and master's prize money but will be excluded from their age group award. The first place male and female finishers in the Round-Trip will each win a $150 cash prize. This amount may be increased depending on the number of entrants in the Round-Trip.

FINISHER AWARDS: In addition to age group and overall winner awards, All finishers will receive a custom Mt. Blue Sky finisher's medal. In addition, all men who finish the Ascent in under 2 hours 40 minutes, and all women who finish under 3 hours will receive a trophy rock marked with the year of the race. This is a tradition from the 70's and 80's that we revived in 2012. Please see our Race History Page for a photo of trophy rocks from the early days of the Mt. Evans Ascent. Round-Trip runners are also able to earn a trophy rock by completing the ascent portion of their run under the designated time for their gender.

DATE & TIME: The Round Trip event will start promptly at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday June 28th. Summit Drop Bags for Round-Trippers must be loaded into the van by 5:00 a.m. Round-Trip runners will have access to their bags when they reach the turn-around atop Mt. Blue Sky.

The Ascent event will start promptly at 6:30 a.m. and Summit Bags must be loaded into the vans by 6:00 a.m. Additional information on the event will be emailed to competitors approximately 1 week prior to the event.

PACKET PICK-UP: Race Morning Packet Pick-Up will be available at the start line on race morning starting at 4:00am. A PHOTO ID is REQUIRED to pick up your packet, and only you can pick up your race number - no exceptions. You will receive your bib number, race shirt, and timing chip in your racer packet. No bib transfers will be allowed on race morning.

Early Packet Pick-Up will be available at Runners Roost Lakewood on Wednesday June 24th from noon until 6:30pm. A PHOTO ID is REQUIRED to pick up your packet, and only you can pick up your race number - no exceptions. You will receive your bib number, race shirt, and timing chip in your racer packet.

WEATHER: Mt. Blue Sky has weather of its own, and no forecast seems to be able to nail down exactly what you'll see at the summit. This forecast, however, should give you an idea what to expect on Mt. Blue Sky. Generally, mornings are nice, with any stormy weather moving in during the afternoon hours. Of course, weather on the mountain can pull some surprises!

BENEFICIARIES: A portion of every entry will be donated to Alpine Rescue. They will be providing on-course support during the Mt. Blue Sky Ascent and Round-Trip. They are a volunteer organization that provides year-round support to the community. If you are a Mt. Blue Sky Ascent or Round-Trip participant, then you are the type of person who loves adventure and may one day find yourself in need of Alpine Rescue. We encourage you to make an additional donation to Alpine Rescue when you register!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration will be limited to the first 250 Ascent entries and the first 100 Round-Trip entries received. Sorry, there will be no race day registration and there will not be a waiting list for this event.

In addition to the most spectacular run you will ever do, your entry includes a custom Blue Sky Ascent long-sleeve technical shirt, a finishers medal to all finishers, the chance to earn a coveted Mt. Blue Sky Ascent Trophy Rock, four well stocked aid stations, a ride back down the mountain, and a tasty post-race meal!

2024 Round-Trip Entry Fees:

• Nov. 24 - Nov. 30: $135

• Dec. 1 - Dec. 31: $145

• Jan. 1 - March 15: $155

• March 16 - May 31: $165

• June 1 - June 20: $185
  (shirt not guaranteed)

• No Race Day Reg.

2024 Ascent Entry Fees:

• Nov. 24 - Nov. 30: $125

• Dec. 1 - Dec. 31: $135

• Jan. 1 - March 15: $145

• March 16 - May 31: $155

• June 1 - June 20: $175
  (shirt not guaranteed)

• No Race Day Reg.

Refund Policy: Every effort will be made to hold the race, however we reserve the right to alter or shorten the course in the case of extreme weather. Once accepted, entry fees will not be refunded for any reason. No refunds or credits will be issued if the race is shortened, postponed, or cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Optional Entry Insurance Policy: We will be offering an optional refund insurance program during the online registration process. If you choose to purchase the registration fee refund insurance policy, you could receive a refund of the registration fees you paid if you are unable to participate due to injury, illness, or other covered circumstances (doctor's note or other proof may be required). No refunds will be issued by the event organizers.

If you think you might possibly have to withdraw from the race, purchasing the insurance policy is recommended).