Elks Park, South Oak Street, Telluride CO
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
Blisters & Brews is a 5k Fundraiser Race giving Telluride Blues & Brews Festival goers with the opportunity to exercise before they imbibe.
The race will raise money for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program in honor of festival friend Felix Snow.
The start/end end point of the race is located at Telluride's Elks Park, giving runners and supporters a place to gather in downtown Telluride. The route and start / finish area have been planned to maximize the running experience and highlight the beauty of the heart of Telluride. The race will end with live music, free beer and free Blues & Brews Free Yoga Sessions to bring the pre-festival zen to a maximum.
The race route climbs up the River Trail giving racers the opportunity to take in the beauty of the iconic Bridal Veil Falls on the way up and a gentle decline for the way back down.
Schedule
Friday, September 18
3 pm - 7:00 pm - Bib pick-up and walk-up registration inside Festival Grounds at Telluride Town Park
Saturday, September 19
7:15 - 8:00 am - Race Registration Open at Elks Park (at intersection of Colorado Ave and Oak Street). Please note, we are not able to accept on-site registrations after 8:00 am
8:30 am - Blisters & Brews 5k Race Start
9:30 am - Race Award Ceremony
10:00 am - Free Blues & Brews Yoga Sessions
Beginning and ending in Telluride's Elks Park, Blisters & Brews provides runners with a safe, beautiful way to kick off their Saturday in downtown Telluride. The route and start / finish area have been planned to enhance the running experience and highlight the beauty of the heart of Telluride. The race route climbs up the river trail giving racers the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Bridal Veil Falls on the way up and a gentle decline for the way back down to town and ending at Elks Park followed by live music, free beer and free Yoga Sessions to bring the pre-festival vibes to a maximum. Race winners will receive a variety of gear and swag.
Fees
Until Friday, September 5 at 11:59 pm (online): $35
After September 5 at 12 am (online): $45
On Site Registrations: $50
The Course
Course begins Elks Park and climbs up the bike path to Pandora Mine and returns along the same route. Racers will follow Colorado Avenue east and pick up the river trail, climbing to the Pandora mine. Racers will turn around and enjoy cruising down to the finish at Elks Park. Two aid stations will provide water electrolytes and snacks.
Race Communication
Pre-race emails will be sent out to all participants twice. Please make sure that your email is accurate when you register.
Race Results
Timing will be provided by CJ Sports Timing. LIVE results can be found at My.RaceResult.com (search for "Blisters" or "Telluride")
Travel in Telluride
Everything in Telluride is within walking distance, so there is no need for a car during the festival weekend. Both Telluride and Mountain Village offer free and paid ground transportation, as well as a free gondola system to move between the two communities.
Our gondola system is the most convenient and scenic way to travel between Telluride and Mountain Village. The Gondola runs from 7 am - 12 pm on Thursday, 7 am - 2 am on both Friday and Saturday, and 7 am - 1 am on Sunday of the festival. Free Shuttles: Galloping Goose shuttle buses run every 20 minutes between 7 am and 1 am during the festival weekend. Stops are located every few blocks throughout Telluride.
Packet Pickup / On-Site Registration
Race packets can be picked up at the festival box office on Friday, September 18 and the morning of the race at Elks Park beginning at 7:15 am. The box office is located at The Festival Box Office is located at 300 E Pacific Street and the hours for packet pick-up are 3 pm - 7:00 pm on Friday, September 18.
Registration will also be available at the race start, space permitting. Please note that on-site registration will be $50.
