Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge

The Thumbs Up Vertical Challenge is an 8-hour ascent race held in Estes Park, Colorado, on the Thumb Open Space trail. Participants run a 1 km out-and-back course with a steep 540-foot elevation gain per ascent. Runners collect poker chips at the turnaround point to track their completed ascents, which are tallied at the event's end to determine winners.

Unique patches are awarded at milestone ascents corresponding to iconic local peaks: Estes Park (7,522'), Deer Mountain (10,103'), and Longs Peak (14,259'). The event is limited to 30 participants, offering a challenging vertical running experience in a scenic mountain setting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.