Posted by: Julie Block
New single-loop course leads a slate of running updates at the GoPro Mountain Games. Registration prices increase May 27.
The Vail Valley Foundation today unveiled a brand-new course for the adidas TERREX 20K Trail Run at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games (June 4-7), sending runners all the way to Mid-Vail for the first time in the event’s history.
The 20K (Sunday, June 7) leaves behind its traditional two-lap format in favor of a single loop that climbs higher up Vail Mountain than the race has ever gone before, gaining 2,500 feet of elevation and topping out at nearly 9,900 feet. The course still starts and finishes in Nature Valley Mountain Plaza in the heart of Vail Village, but the new design rewards runners with a true summit experience and views that set it apart from nearly any other 20K in the country.
“The 20K has always been our most demanding trail race at the GoPro Mountain Games, and this year brings a new and exciting challenge for athletes,” said Peggy Wolfe, Senior Director of Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation. “This is a course for bold runners. The climb will test you, and the views waiting at Mid-Vail are the kind you won’t forget. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we can’t wait to share it with runners.”
The complete 20K course will be unveiled in the coming days at mountaingames.com and in the Mountain Games app.
A full weekend of running
The 20K is one of several running events getting a refresh at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games. The adidas TERREX Sunday Funday 5K debuts a brand-new course of its own, and the adidas TERREX 10K Spring Runoff features an improved race format. With each Sunday running race now on its own route, runners will have more room to find their rhythm and race their best.
The Nature Valley Mountain Mud Run is getting a refresh of its own with the all-new Mega Mud Pit: a single, longer pit that replaces the two mud pits of years past for one bigger, muddier challenge. As part of the Mountain Games’ Protect Our Playground commitment to conserving water, the post-race rinse zone has also been replaced this year with a clean-up station stocked with rinse-free body wipes from Rugged Revive and towels.
New for 2026, the Kids Mini Dash brings young runners ages 6 to 12 into the fun with both a long course (approximately 2K) and a short course (approximately 1K). It joins a running lineup that spans every age and ability, including the BFGoodrich Rocky Dog Fun Run, the adidas TERREX Après 5K, and adidas TERREX Pepi’s Face-Off. In all, the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games will host eight running events across the four-day festival.
Register today
Registration for all 2026 GoPro Mountain Games competitions, including the running events, is open at mountaingames.com. Prices increase on May 27, so athletes are encouraged to register now for the best available rate. Athletes receive exclusive perks, including an athlete bag packed with swag, discounts to Mountains of Music concerts, access to the STōK Cold Brew Athlete Lounge, and more. Spectating remains free and open to all.
Athletes already registered for the 20K who would like to adjust their plans given the increased climb can reach out to [email protected].
For the full event schedule, race courses, and more, visit mountaingames.com or download the Mountain Games app.
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