Into the Hills Eltuck 5k

Race Overview

Join us August 4, 11, 18 & 25 for a fun series of shorter midweek trail races. This fourth race of the series will take place on the fast and flat Valley Trail at Lory State Park.

Purpose and Goals

• Fun Series: Our goal is to offer a fun, low-key series of races designed to give newer trail runners an opportunity to dip their toes into the trail racing waters.
• Experience: Offer more experienced trail racers a chance to sharpen their speed on shorter, quicker courses.
• Start Time: All races will start at 6:00 pm, ranging in distance from 5k to 12k.
• Results: Results will be tabulated according to chip times, with series points awarded for each race. Top series finishers will earn unique awards.

Details

• Vintage Shirts: We'll have a wide selection of vintage Gnar race shirts, and all registrants are welcome to their pick to call their own.
• Post-Race Food: After each race, we will be providing pizza with support from the Fort Collins Running Club and beverages with support from New Belgium Brewing.
• Location: Lory State Park, Eltuck Picnic Area, Fort Collins, Colorado.
• Date: August 18, 2026. Time: 6:00 pm.

Race Dates and Distances

• August 4: Flat and Fast Eltuck Valley 5k (250′ elevation gain)
• August 11: Into the Hills Eltuck 10k (1,700′ elevation gain)
• August 18: Into the Hills Eltuck 5k (700′ elevation gain)
• August 25: Flat and Fast Eltuck Valley 12k (500′ elevation gain)

Cost

• Pricing: Thru 6/30: $25 each race or $80 for the series.
• After 7/1: $30 each race or $100 for the series.
• Special Pricing: $10/race for Ages 17 & Under. Price change will be automatically applied based on registrant's Date of Birth before final checkout on RunSignup.
• Free Shirt: All race participants are welcome to a free vintage shirt from previous Gnar races (your choice and as available).

Inclusivity Statement

We acknowledge and respect those who experience their gender identity in ways outside of the traditional male/female dichotomy, and are trying our best to provide non-binary opportunities in both the registration and results to reflect that. For the purposes of awards, non-binary runners will be eligible in their birth gender pool.

Transfer Credit & Distance Change Policy

If you are not able to race, we can offer a 75% race transfer credit that can be applied to any future Gnar Runners race (valid for 12 months). We can also directly transfer your entry to another race in the series for the same year, assuming the new race is not sold out. Transfers/Credits can be requested any time up until 72 hours before the start of each race in the series. To request a transfer credit please Contact Us.

Cancellation Policy

With the exception of waitlist transfers, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event the race is cancelled due to extreme weather, fire, disease, or for some other unforeseeable event, we cannot offer refunds or credits.

Rules

• Littering: Purposeful littering is prohibited and will result in an immediate disqualification.
• Trail Etiquette: Stay on the trail. No bushwhacking or short cutting. Yield to pedestrian and horses.
• Passing: If coming up on a slower runner or regular park user while on trail, please give an early verbal notice that you are approaching and wait for the hiker/runner to step off to the side before passing.
• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the course with runners.

Additional Information

• Day Pass: If you do not have an annual Colorado State Parks Pass or a pass with your vehicle registration, you will need to purchase a day pass ($10) when you enter the park.
• Parking: Parking will be at the Eltuck Picnic Area until filled, after which we will direct cars to the nearby Spur Road.
• Bibs: Bibs will be available for pick up at the race start from 5:00 pm. Chips will be pre-attached to your bib.
• Facilities: There are two permanent toilets at the start/finish of each race and additional restrooms along the course.

Race Link

For more information and to register, visit the race link: Into the Hills Eltuck 5k.