Black Canyon Ascent
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Our signature race and primary fundraiser for several local non-profits!
The Black Canyon Ascent 6-mile Run and Challenge Walk features a tough, scenic course starting at an elevation of 6500' and climbing almost 2,000' to the rim of the Black Canyon National Park.
For over 40 years, beautiful vistas and scenic surroundings have inspired people to challenge themselves and the competition in this classic Western Colorado event. After the race, participants and their family and friends can enjoy visiting the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
This race is also the San Juan Mountain Runners primary fundraiser for several local non-profits.
We graciously appreciate Alpine Bank, Pomona Brewing Company and the Montrose Office of Business and Tourism for supporting the Black Canyon Ascent!
Features
All participants* will receive, or will be eligible for:
Race Shirt – We’re talking high-quality, long-sleeve tech shirt!
Winner's Medals - overall winners and age group winners
Event Timed – CJ Sports Timing will provide professional timing for all runners. Walkers will be responsible for timing themselves.
Awards Ceremony – You’re gonna wanna level up your training when you scroll down to the Awards section to see what you could win. Spoiler alert: Someone * could * take home some bonus cash!
Raffle – You’ll automatically be entered in the raffle, so stick around for the Awards Ceremony to see if you score any of these excellent
Snacks and Music – Breakfast burritos, beverages and music at the Finish.
Post Race Happy Hour! – Please join your fellow runners and walkers for BCA’s first ever Happy Hour sponsored by Pomona Brewing Company from 2:00–4:00pm on Saturday after the race. Bring your race bib for a free beverage (including beer!) of your choice. Pomona is located at 830 N. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. Cheers!
*Our Risk Manager says we have to tell you that only those participants ages 21 and up will be eligible to turn their race bib in for an alcoholic beverage at the Happy Hour. Our younger friends are still welcome and can enjoy a soft drink.
Course description
The course climbs 6 miles into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a two-lane paved road. The road will be open to traffic and participants will need to stay on the left side of the road. However, there is typically low traffic on race-day morning and State Patrol will be helping us to monitor the course.
Two aid stations will be set up at:
Mile 2 – water only
Mile 4 – water and Gatorade
If it’s a warm day, we encourage those who anticipate being on the course for more than 90 minutes to carry extra water.
At mile 5 (the kiosk entrance to the Park) the course flattens out and the last leg entering the campground area is a fast downhill. Please be careful! On tired legs that downhill stretch can get the better of you!
The finish area is near the Park Campground with post-race festivities at the adjacent Park Amphitheater.
Course map
Directions to start
Both Runners and Walkers will start at the intersection of US Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347 – approx 6 miles east of Montrose, CO
Parking
THERE IS NO PARTICIPANT PARKING AT THE START/FINISH.
Do not park at the Start/Finish as the extremely limited spaces are reserved for race volunteers and timing equipment.
Race participants, spectators and friends must park in the San Juan Cinema parking lot 1869 E. Main St., Montrose at the northwest corner of Hillcrest Drive and Highway 50. Spectators can also park at the Visitor Center and walk to the Finish to cheer for their friends and family.
Bus and shuttle services will be provided to transport participants and spectators between the parking area and the Start/Finish.
Vehicles are only admitted at the Start/Finish to drop off participants who have already picked up their race packet, but parking at the Start/Finish is not allowed. (Yes, we know we are starting to sound fussy, but unfortunately we’ve learned this particular detail bears repeating. Please help us to not have to repeat it next year. :D)
Awards info
We will will have individual awards for:
1st place for Male and Female in the following age groups:
0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+Overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female
This year we are offering a $100 bonus for setting a new course record in the Overall Male or Female category.
Here’s what you’re trying to beat:
Overall Male Course Record – 37:41 (Joseph Gray, 2022)
Overall Female Course Record – 44:53 (Kim Dobson, 2016)
Event schedule
7:30 am – Walkers Begin
8:00 am – Runners Begin
10:00 am – Awards Ceremony and Raffle in the amphitheater overlooking the Black Canyon and the Elk Mountains
There is an 11:00 am cutoff. You are free to finish the event but you will not receive a time after 11:00 am.
Packet pickup
Bring your proof of registration or ID with you.
Friday, 5/16 between 5:00pm and 7:00pm
Montrose Office of Business and Tourism
107 S. Cascade Ave, Montrose
at the corner of South 1st St. and Cascade Ave
Race day
Walkers: between 6:00am and 7:00am
Runners: between 6:00am and 7:30am
San Juan Cinema parking lot
1869 E. Main St., Montrose
at northwest corner of Hillcrest Drive and Hwy 50
Registration info
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
Early Bird - $55 - until March 31, 2025
Individual - $65 - from April 1, 2025 to May 15, 2025 at noon.
