The Imogene Pass Run is the crown jewel of Colorado’s San Juan mountain races. The 17.1-mile point-to-point course climbs from Ouray (7,792 feet) up a historic mining road to the summit of Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet \u2014 gaining over 5,300 feet \u2014 before plunging 4,800 feet down the other side to finish in the gorgeous mountain town of Telluride. The route passes abandoned mine shafts, crosses alpine tundra covered in late-season wildflowers, and rewards runners with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains that few people ever see. Strictly cutoff times and no refunds or transfers are enforced.<\/p>\n
The 53rd Annual Imogene Pass Run is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026. Registration opens June 1 at 6:00 AM MDT with 1,550 entries available \u2014 the race historically sells out within hours. The IPR is always held on the first Saturday after Labor Day, marking the seasonal transition from late summer to early fall. The event is self-supported with minimal aid stations, and all runners must meet strict cutoff times at the pass summit or be pulled from the course.<\/p>\n
The Imogene Pass Run has been a rite of passage for Colorado mountain runners since 1974. The combination of a genuinely demanding route, world-class San Juan Mountain scenery, the historic character of the Ouray-to-Telluride corridor, and the strict no-refund\/no-transfer policy that demands commitment creates an event with an unmatched sense of earned accomplishment. Finishing in Telluride \u2014 one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain towns \u2014 with a cold beer and the telluride box canyon as backdrop is an experience runners describe as transformative.<\/p>\n
The summit of Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet means severe altitude is a factor for every runner, not just sea-level visitors. Arrive in Colorado at least 3\u20134 days early. The course is almost entirely above treeline above mile 4, meaning total exposure to lightning risk \u2014 the 8:00 AM start is designed to get runners over the pass before afternoon storms build. Carry a wind jacket, gloves, and hat regardless of the forecast. Trail shoes with aggressive lug soles are mandatory.<\/p>\n