Crested Butte Ultra 55k Race Report

What a beautiful race!

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I wanted to create a brief race report for the CB Ultra 55k as I only found one report when deciding on doing the race myself. Crested Butte has always been our favorite mountain town. There is something so cute, quaint, and relaxing about the town. When I saw that I could have a weekend away and do a race - two birds. 

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We left Boulder just before lunch on Friday and made it to CB in about 4.5 hours - nice and easy drive. 

We stayed at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Elevation Hotel as it was cheap and a 3 minute walk from our room to packet pickup and about a 4 minute walk to the start finish line. The cherry on top is that the hotel was only about $90 a night - steal of a deal. 

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Packet pickup was at the bar and grill nearly attached to the Elevation Hotel at the base of the lift. Mad Moose always has things lined up for an easy check in. We got a very typical mad moose shirt and hat as well as a free beer from the restaurant - bonus. 

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The morning of the race the weather was perfect from start to finish. We had a 7am start and strolled down at 6:55a. It was chilly so I started with a light jacket and gloves only to shed that later at the drop bag aid station. With sunrise at 7 there was no need for a headlamp. 

The course takes you down from the resort around Mt. Crested Butte and in the first 1.5mi you’re on single track. Weaving in and out of beautiful aspen trees that are full of golden yellow leaves, the sun rises and is absolutely stunning. 

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The course takes you down from the resort around Mt. Crested Butte and in the first 1.5mi you’re on single track. Weaving in and out of beautiful aspen trees that are full of golden yellow leaves, the sun rises and is absolutely stunning. 

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The course has a fair bit of alternating between beautiful aspen trees, stunning meadows, and lush green dense forest. It is the perfect time of year for this as the sun is out, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, etc.

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There were six river crossings. Unfortunately, they are not at the most opportune times either. A few miles before you get to the aid station that has your drop bags you hit a crossing. Then about ¾ mi from that aid station you hit the second. I had extra shoes and socks in my drop bag, but ended up not changing them until the second time I came through that aid station. All of the river crossings are standard shoe to shin height and nice and cold! While doing the Teo Cali loop, there is a river crossing around mile 17ish that was a few hundred yards of walking upstream in water just over your shoe. Kinda strange, but refreshing!

The Teo Cali loop is the hardest part of the course. It is a long, steep uphill that was not runnable for most. Power hike your way to the top and prepare for a long fast downhill.

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After the loop you’re back at the drop bag aid station at 25mi. A quick shoe change and on my way. About 1/4mi from the aid station you hit another river crossing and begin to head back towards town the way you came. 

After a few miles you start to retrace the same trails towards town, this time you’re moving a bit slower. Finally finish line is in sight and all is right in the world. 

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Mad Moose events are always well organized and a general good time. The one thing that was a bit off for me was there was no caffeine at the aid stations (All of the gels are non caffeinated and no coffee, etc). I’m no longer a big caffeine guy, but when you’re 20mi in, a little kick helps. So, plan on bringing your own if you think you’ll want it.

Overall, I couldn’t recommend the race more. It is great. You’ll have fun. I will likely be there next year!

Lastly, the traffic on the drive home is horrible because everyone from Denver area drives to Kenosha pass to look at leaves. It took 6 hrs to get home. Don’t leave on Sunday - you’ll save yourself a headache.