Race in the Clouds
A Race with an Altitude!
July 13, 2024
Escape those hot summer days and head up to the town of Alma, Colorado at 10,578 feet! Join us for the 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 takes place the weekend before the 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.
Come for the Race and extend your stay in order to enjoy all the area has to offer – 14ers, world-class fishing, mountain biking, camping, and the area's many historical sites – and then settle in for Festival in the Clouds for a weekend of music, food, and fun!
The Race has limited race slots and we expect to sell out. Please register early to secure your spot.
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.
Swag? You betcha! More info coming soon along with a post-race raffle.
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.
CAMPING & PIZZA PARTY
The Town of Alma has generously offered the Town Park in downtown Alma for event camping. Camping is conveniently located across the street from the race start. Camping passes for the weekend can be purchased during registration or during Friday packet pickup at the Alma Gym. No wood fires, but gas fire pits are allowed.
Other places to stay in Alma and Fairplay
The Friday night pre-race Pizza Party is on, thanks to the South Park Saloon! Join us from 6:00-7:30pm at the Alma Town Hall. The Saloon offers delicious hand-tossed crust with fresh ingredients. $15 per person includes salad, drinks, and something homemade for dessert.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Race in the Clouds could not happen without our hard-working volunteers! If interested in helping out, please email elizabethtkollar@gmail.com. The volunteer shifts are around 4 hours. We need help in the following departments: course sweep and course pull, course marshalling, packet pickup, aid station monitoring, and finish line assistance.
Volunteers will receive event swag, plus a free race entry for 2024 or 2025. The race entry may be given to a friend or family member!
TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, July 12
- 12:00-5:00pm Course pre-ride – recommended but please do not ride alone!
- 2:00-6:00pm Packet pickup and late race registration if event slots still available at the Alma Gym (13 South Main Street)
- 6:00-7:30pm Pizza Party at Alma Town Park or Town Hall
Saturday, July 13 – RACE DAY!
- 6:30-9:00am On-site packet pickup and 5km late registration at the Alma Fire Department (corner of Pine Street and Buckskin Road)
- 7:15am Mandatory Athlete Briefing for 30km Mountain Bike, Half Marathon Trail Run, and Duathlon
- 7:30am Race Start for 30K Mountain Bike
- 7:40am Race Start for Half Marathon Trail Run
- 7:45am Race Start for Off-Road Duathlon
- 8:20am Mandatory Athlete Briefing for 15km Mountain Bike
- 8:30am Race Start for 15km Mountain Bike
- 8:50am Race Start for Middle and High School 15km Mountain Bike
- 9:15am Race Start for Community 5km and Doggie Dash
- 11:00am Awards Ceremony
- 11:30am Raffle Scramble
- 1:00pm Course Closes