Race in the Clouds
A Race with an Altitude!
July 13, 2024
Race in the Clouds was a fantastic event! Many thanks to all the athletes, volunteers, and sponsors who made it possible! We intend to put it on again in 2025, and this is where you will find all the event details as they unfold.
View your amazing 2024 Race photos by Kimberly Thomas.
View your 2024 Race Results. Thank you so much for participating and we can't wait to see you again next year!
Athletes headed up to the town of Alma, Colorado at 10,578 feet to participate in Race in the Clouds – a multisport race showcasing the breathtaking beauty and historical heritage of North America's Highest Incorporated Town.
Race in the Clouds 2024 took place the weekend before Festival in the Clouds, an annual celebration of live music, artwork, good food, and community. The Festival is free to attend and takes place on the grounds of the Alma Town Park. All proceeds from both the Race and the Festival benefit the Alma Foundation.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, July 12, 2024
- 12:00 PM ~ Course open for pre-ride
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM ~ Packet Pickup at Alma Gym, 13 South Main Street
- 2:00 PM ~ Alma Town Park open for camping
Saturday, July 13, 2024 - RACE DAY!
- 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM ~ Packet Pickup at Alma Town Hall, 59 Buckskin Road
- 7:00 AM ~ Duathlon Transition area open at Start Line, 55 Buckskin Road
- 7:15 AM ~ Mandatory Athlete Briefing at Start Line for 30K Mountain Bike, Trail Half Marathon, Duathlon
- 7:25 AM ~ National Anthem
- 8:30 AM ~ Mandatory Athlete Briefing for 15K Mountain Bike, 15K Highschool/Middle School
Race Start Times
- 7:30 AM ~ 30K Mountain Bike
- 7:35 AM ~ Trail Half Marathon
- 7:50 AM ~ Off Road Duathlon
- 8:45 AM ~ 15K Mountain Bike
- 9:00 AM ~ 15K Mountain Bike Highschool/Middle School
- 9:30 AM ~ 5K Community Fun Run
Post Race Events
- 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM ~ Post Race Festival at Alma Town Park
- 12:00 PM ~ Awards Ceremony
- 12:30 PM ~ Raffle Scramble
Sunday, July 14, 2024
- 12:00 PM ~ Camping Closes
RACES
The Motherlode – You will feel like you struck it rich after conquering this challenging 30km, two-loop course. Not for the faint of heart, this race has over 3,556 feet of elevation gain.
The Placer – A shorter version of the Motherlode, this 15km, single-loop mountain bike course will give you way more than a bite-sized taste of this rugged and challenging race.
The Buckskin Joe – Named after Joe Higgenbottom who famously sold his mining claim in 1850 for a horse, a gun, and to absolve his whisky bill, the Trail Half Marathon uses the same course as the mountain bike. Runners will climb along Buckskin Creek, be treated to breathtaking views, and challenged by technical descents.
The Hoosier Du – The off-road Duathlon is a 5km Run and 15km Mountain Bike. This race combines the best of both courses.
The Alma Jaynes – It's all fun with this 5km Community Run and Doggie Dash. Yes, your well-behaved, on-leash trail buddy is welcome!
ABOUT THE COURSE
The course is a combination of gravel road, steep and chunky single-track, jeep road (also steep and chunky), and some wonderful flowy trail meandering through the woods. Each loop has two sustained climbs followed by joyful descents. Given the technical nature of the downhills, the mountain bike course is not recommended for beginner riders.
We have designed the course to give participants a snapshot of the best that rural Alma has to offer, from climbing past the historic Paris Mill, running through the Alma Cemetery established in 1902 by President Teddy Roosevelt, to circumventing the Skull Tree.
There will be two fully-stocked aid stations at the top of each climb. Additionally, there will be a dog water and Gatorade aid station about halfway through the 5km Doggie Dash.
There will be no neutral bike support on course. Riders are expected to carry all the tools needed to make simple on-course repairs.
RACE CATAGORIES
Men, Women, and Non-Binary
- Under 23 years old
- 24 to 49 years old
- 50+ years old
Additionally, we are offering a special competition for the 15km Mountain Bike, Off-Road Duathlon, and 5km races specifically for Middle and High School athletes. Race with your team or as an individual. Student athletes will start in their own wave.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
VOLUNTEERS
Race in the Clouds could not happen without our hard-working volunteers!
USA TRIATHLON SANCTIONING
This event is being sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Every race entry includes a one-day membership (or annual membership for athletes 17 years old and under), which includes $25,000 of participant accident insurance. We hate to think that any athlete might get injured, but these sports are not without risks. USAT Annual Members will receive a registration rebate at packet pickup.