Grand Mesa Ultras 2024 Review

Best Slope Events hosts an awesome event consisting of 30k, 55k, and 50M races. There's (optional) camping the whole weekend at the start/finish line, allowing for a full weekend of community. Lots of local runners participate every year in the race and the volunteering, so there's a nice charming hometown feel to the event. All three distances start with a loop around Crag Crest, which is a section of trail that consists of technical areas with lava rock, and views for days. There's a cookout at the finish line, cash prizes for top 3 podium spots in M/F categories (wish there was a nonbinary category - I'll probably reach out to the RDs and advocate for this for future years), and a raffle with lots of goodies for all participants. Since this event takes place at a minimum of 10k feet, it can be a great way to learn/practice being prepared for whatever the elements might throw at you - mosquitos, hail, lightning, wind, rain, heat, wild animals, etc.