Pat's Pony Express

Join us and "Race for the horseshoe!"

Saturday, August 8, 2026 we will be bringing back the historic Pony Express race. Now with a new annual race weekend, the second Saturday of August, we honor the late Pat Lockhart by formally changing the race's name to Pat's Pony Express. Pat had such an important hand in the race's history.

Founded in 1977, Pat’s Pony Express has quietly been one of the most unique races offered by the PPRR and is a true trail race located at the iconic Rampart Reservoir.

As many of you know, Pikes Peak Road Runners was organized in 1976 and is the largest RRCA running club in Colorado and Completely Volunteer Driven. 

As a point of clarity, please forgive us for any errors and omissions on our website. We are still working on updating that for future race years. This email is your complete race day information. 
 
Here is everything you need to know for race day:

Schedule: 
Race Day: Saturday, August 8

• 7:00am - 7:45am Bib Pickup
• 8:00am - 16 Mile race will start
• 8:15am - 8 mile race will start
• 12:30pm - Race Complete

Parking: 
IMPORTANT: Parking at the rainbow gulch trailhead is extremely limited. We strongly encourage you to get dropped off at the trailhead or coordinate carpooling with fellow participants to minimize the amount of cars we need to find parking for. We are utilizing Pike National Forest Land, these trails are still available for public use, and we want to do our part to minimize our impact. 

• Carpooling Lot: Merit Academy 500 E Kelley's Rd, Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
  • This lot is free to use, and we have coordinated the use with Merit Academy. It is approximately 6 miles from the Rainbow Gulch Trailhead and en route if you are arriving at the race from Colorado Springs.
• Parking Lot (limited): #714 Rainbow Gulch trailhead Colorado Springs, CO 80921
• Additional Parking (very limited): Forest Service Rd 950
• Drop off Location: #714 Rainbow Gulch trailhead Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Course: 
The start/finish line is located at #714 Rainbow Gulch trailhead Colorado Springs, CO 80921. The 8 and 16 mile courses are not exact distances. The 8 mile course is a little long, and the 16 mile course is a little short. Each course features an awesome descent down to the reservoir to start the race, this year, we will stay left at the trail fork and north of the reservoir for the entirety of this year's race. Rampart Reservoir features a lot of rolling single track trails with some technical features. Each distance features a gnarly climb back from the reservoir to the trailhead (finish line) so be sure to be mindful as you plan your energy in the back half of each race. 

• 8 mile 
  • GPX File
  • Strava Route
• 16 mile 
  • GPX File
  • Strava Route

Amenities:

• Aid/Water Stations:
  • 8 Mile: There will be a water station at ~4.4 miles (course turnaround) as well as an aid station with food and recovery items at the finish line.
  • 16 Mile: There will be a water station at ~4.4 miles, an aid station with food and water at ~7.25 miles, you will run by the water station a second time at ~12 miles and finally an aid station with food and recovery items at the finish line.
• Restrooms: There will be one porta potty at the start/finish line

Recommended Gear:

• These are fairly remote trails within the Pike National Forest so it is recommended you bring gear to keep you hydrated, fueled, and safe. Recommended items are:
  • Water Flasks
  • Carbohydrates (gels, food, liquid, etc.)
  • Salt Pills
  • Cooling Equipment (cooling sleeves, ice bandana, sun shirt)
  • Sunscreen
  • Toilet Paper
  • Vest / Waistband
  • Trail Shoes (something with good traction)
  • Trekking Poles (as you see fit)
  • Hat/Visor

Awards/Prizes:

• Finisher Medals: Each participant will receive a unique finisher medal. A (literal) horseshoe with a commemorate placard. 
• 5 One-Year PPRR Memberships (Giveaway): Before the races begin, we will raffle off 5 one-year PPRR memberships ($31.40 value) for any who are not aware, the PPRR membership comes with great benefits, most notably race discounts, and you can find a full list of membership benefits on our website here

THERE WILL BE NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.  ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE THROUGH RUNSIGNUP.