On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Colorado high country invites you to do more than just move your body—it invites you to make your miles matter. The Byers Peak Stampede Half Marathon and 5K is more than a scenic run through the Arapaho National Forest. It’s a chance to connect with nature, support a meaningful cause, and experience Fraser’s wild beauty in one unforgettable morning.
Whether you’re chasing a new personal record or simply showing up for a good cause, this event gives you a reason to lace up your shoes and join a community that runs with heart.
Two Races, One Scenic Goal
The Byers Peak Stampede starts and finishes at the High Country Stampede Rodeo Grounds in Fraser, Colorado. Runners of all experience levels are welcome, with two distances to choose from:
The Half Marathon
This is not your typical road race. The course takes place almost entirely on remote dirt roads through the Arapaho National Forest. It’s a single loop course, starting at around 8,700 feet and climbing above 9,500 feet. Expect mountain views, peaceful terrain, and the satisfaction that comes with conquering elevation.
This is a timed, chip-scored event, and there is a cutoff—runners must reach mile 9 by 10:30 AM to remain on the course. The gun goes off at 8:00 AM, so bring your grit, your hydration, and your love for high-altitude running.
The 5K
Perfect for casual runners, hikers, or anyone who wants to be part of the event without committing to a long course. The 5K takes participants on a more accessible route of dirt roads and trails close to the rodeo grounds. It’s also chip-timed, with a 9:00 AM start, and offers the same friendly, community-focused vibe.
Both races celebrate movement in the mountains—but the real reward is what you’re running for.
Running for More Than a Medal
All proceeds from the Byers Peak Stampede go directly to funding outdoor programs for children facing cancer. These programs use nature, community, and physical activity to bring comfort, confidence, and joy to young lives navigating difficult journeys.
So every step you take, every breath at altitude, every ounce of effort—it all means something. You’re helping give kids the chance to camp, hike, explore, and experience the healing power of the outdoors.
You’re not just finishing a race. You’re fueling a mission.
Recharge at The Jabberwocky After the Finish Line
Once you cross the line, your medal in hand and trail dust on your shoes, there’s only one way to finish strong—retreat to comfort and rest.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Jabberwocky, located just minutes away in Winter Park. Our vacation home is built for recovery, quiet, and convenience. Stretch out on the deck. Enjoy a warm shower in your private bath. Refuel in a full kitchen stocked with everything you need to prep a proper post-race meal.
Instead of rushing home or settling for a hotel lobby, you’ll step into a calm, cozy space where you can relax fully—because after a race like this, you deserve it.
If you’re attending Tacos & Margs in the Mountains later that same day, you can easily walk or drive from Lace up for the Byers Peak Stampede on August 23—a scenic Fraser race supporting kids with cancer. Recover nearby at The Jabberwocky, your post-run mountain retreat. and keep the fun going without skipping a beat.
Book Your Stay and Make It a Weekend
Events like the Byers Peak Stampede don’t come around often. It’s an experience you’ll remember—and when paired with the right place to stay, it becomes more than just a race. It becomes a weekend worth repeating.
👉 Reserve your stay at The Jabberwocky today and make the most of your time in the mountains. Run for a cause. Rest with purpose. Wake up where it’s quiet and full of possibility.
