Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge is a race like nothing you've ever done before.
Rules
- Beginning at 8am, runners will ascend the Thumb Open Space out and back trail, each lap is 2km with 540ft of vertical gain
- At the turnaround runners collect 1 poker chip to bring back to the start and deposit in their jar
- Turn around and climb again
- Uphill runners yield to downhill
- At 4pm, poker chips will be counted to determine placing
- Unique patches will be awarded at 3 milestones
- 15 ascents - Estes Park 7,522'
- 19 ascents - Deer Mountain 10,103'
- 27 ascents - Longs Peak 14,259'
- A special award will be given to the winner
- Runners may NOT park at the trailhead. You may drop off supplies but cannot park at the trailhead or nearby. Plan to be dropped off, ride your bike or get here on foot
- Entry is limited to 20
Course - The Thumb Open Space
The Thumb Open Space trail is a 2km out and back with 540ft of ascent. The terrain is 100% single track switchbacks, steps and steep rocks.
On May 26, 2021, the Town of Estes Park officially purchased 65 acres on the south side of Prospect Mountain for designation as the Thumb Open Space, which officially opens to public access on July 1, 2022. This newest Town-owned recreation area is named for the large, thumb-like rock outcrop on the southeastern side of the property. Users are reminded to please respect private property and refrain from leaving the marked public trail; further guidelines are provided under the User Information and Rules tab below.
For decades this property was a popular but privately owned hiking and climbing destination. First climbed by the legendary Tom Hornbein in the late 1940s, the Thumb Open Space features were later used by professional climber Tommy Caldwell as a training ground. The property contains nearly 50 climbing routes with pitch ratings ranging from 5.0 to 5.13, as well as high-quality bouldering. The area is also known for its great hiking, trail running and dog walking—with Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Twin Sisters in view from nearly the entire trail.
Rules for enjoying The Thumb Open Space
On May 26, 2021, the Town of Estes Park officially purchased 65 acres on the south side of Prospect Mountain for designation as the Thumb Open Space, which officially opens to public access on July 1, 2022. This newest Town-owned recreation area is named for the large, thumb-like rock outcrop on the southeastern side of the property. Users are reminded to please respect private property and refrain from leaving the marked public trail; further guidelines are provided under the User Information and Rules tab below.
For decades this property was a popular but privately owned hiking and climbing destination. First climbed by the legendary Tom Hornbein in the late 1940s, the Thumb Open Space features were later used by professional climber Tommy Caldwell as a training ground. The property contains nearly 50 climbing routes with pitch ratings ranging from 5.0 to 5.13, as well as high-quality bouldering. The area is also known for its great hiking, trail running and dog walking—with Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Twin Sisters in view from nearly the entire trail.
Rules for enjoying The Thumb Open Space
Weather & Conditions
We climb in rain, snow or wind
Expect snow on the trail and help us burn the trail in the first few hours.
Expect snow on the trail and help us burn the trail in the first few hours.
Amenities
Water will be provided
Limited hot water
Coffee early
Snacks
2 portable restrooms at trailhead
Limited hot water
Coffee early
Snacks
2 portable restrooms at trailhead
Registration Fees
Registration fees:
8 hour ascent - $35
8 hour ascent - $35
Sponsors
We love these companies and organizations - without them this race doesn't happen.
Show them support when you can.
Show them support when you can.
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