Turquoise Trail Ultra
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Event overview
The Turquoise Trail Ultra is a trail running event in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, held on February 21, 2026. The race uses the Gutierrez Canyon Open Space and the historic Turquoise Trail corridor. The course is described as smooth single track with rock gardens and juniper trees. New for 2026, finishers receive finisher socks.
Course and race logistics
Distances offered:
- 13k - 1 lap, about 1,023 ft gain
- 26k - 2 laps, about 2,046 ft gain
- 52k - 4 laps, about 4,092 ft gain
Each lap has just over 1,000 feet of climbing. The event is cup-less; aid stations are located at the start/finish and on course at approximately 4.6 miles. Aid station supplies include water/Skratch, chips, cookies, bananas, vegetable soup or broth, and assorted salty and sweet snacks. Locally made burritos are available at the finish. There is a 10 hour course cutoff for all distances and a 7.5 hour cutoff for lap 4 of the 52k.
Start/finish and primary parking are at the Gutierrez Canyon Open Space parking lot off Highway 14 (12216 NM-14, Cedar Crest, NM 87008). Overflow parking is at Mountain Christian Church about 0.25 miles north; parking is not allowed at local businesses. Packet pickup is offered on the day before the race and on a Saturday morning at the start/finish area; exact locations and times vary. Discount codes are available for New Mexico students, teachers, first responders, active duty military, and veterans. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.