On the final weekend of September, with the aspens exploding in peak color, nearly 700 runners gathered in Colorado’s Arkansas Valley to take on two days of high-altitude trail races: the West Line Winder 30k & 50k on Saturday in Buena Vista, and the Sawatch Ascent 50k, on Sunday, down the road in Nathrop. Crisp air, golden leaves, and a buzzing community made for a memorable weekend in the mountains.
The West Line Winder has quickly built a reputation as both an ideal entry point for new ultrarunners and a fast, competitive course for seasoned vets. This year, over half the field was taking on their very first ultra – a testament to how welcoming and well-supported the event is. The course winds through Buena Vista’s signature single track along the Midland Trail system, serving up smooth, runnable terrain, sweeping views and just enough climbing to keep things honest. Runners from across the country toed the line, including Team We Run Long – back for their second annual trail camp – and Colorado-based crews like Black Men Run, Endurance Run Club and Out Run Boulder, whose presence brought a powerful sense of inclusivity and shared purpose that defined the day.
Smooth single-track trails greet runners on the West Line Winder course. Photo Jordan Chapell
The Sawatch Ascent 50k brought a different kind of energy. Known for its sweeping alpine views and one big, burly climb, the course typically loops over the shoulder of Mt. Antero. But with storms looming, organizers made the call to reroute the course for safety. Even with the last-minute change, the day still delivered, challenging runners with an out-and-back into the alpine above Browns Lake and offering a hearty taste of the high country’s wild beauty. With swirling clouds above and golden valleys below, the atmosphere was electric: a shared sense of grit, awe and celebration as runners pushed through the elements and embraced the mountain miles together.
And finally, one mustn’t overlook the Sawatch 50/50, the brutal back-to-back pairing of the West Line 50k and the Sawatch 50k. This ultimate test of versatility demands everything from a runner, offering a single reward: entry into the fabled High Lonesome 100.
Full results for West Line Winder and Sawatch Ascent 50k.