Race in the Clouds
ALMAGEDDON Winter Triathlon
JANUARY 16, 2027
Race with Altitude... and Snow!
Welcome to winter racing at 10,600 feet! ALMAGeddon isn't your typical triathlon. There are no wetsuits or aero helmets. And there's absolutely no guarantee that Mother Nature will cooperate. ALMAGeddon is a grassroots winter adventure designed for athletes who think January is a perfectly reasonable time to race outside.
Bike. Ski. Run. Bike.
Simple enough, right? Now do it at 10,600 feet.
Bring your fat bikes, Nordic skis, and trail shoes, and be prepared for snow, mountains, thin air, and one unforgettable day in Alma, Colorado—the highest incorporated town in North America.
Volunteer Signup for ALMAGeddon is coming soon... stay tuned ;)
THE NEW ALMAGEDDON COURSE
For 2027, ALMAGeddon has a brand-new course with one centralized transition area. All three disciplines will race in the spectacular high country above Alma.
🚵 BIKE – 2.8 MILES UP
Start in Alma. Athletes will ride approximately 2.8 miles up Buckskin Road, climbing from Town to the transition area near the intersection of Buckskin Road and County Road 783. You'll arrive at transition warmed up and fully aware that you're racing at altitude.
🎿 SKI – 3.0 MILES
Time to trade two wheels for two skis. From transition, athletes head onto County Road 783 for a 3-mile out-and-back Nordic ski—1.5 miles out and 1.5 miles back. This portion promises snow-covered roads, mountain views, and winter vibes—what ALMAGeddon is all about.
🏃 RUN – 3.0 MILES
Skis off and running shoes on. The run heads up Buckskin Road for another 3-mile out-and-back, climbing approximately 1.5 miles before turning around and heading back to transition. Yes, running uphill at 10,000+ feet in January is exactly as much fun as it sounds. We might have a slightly unusual definition of fun.
🚵 BIKE – 2.8 MILES HOME
One last transition and you're back on the bike. This time, gravity is finally your friend. Cruise 2.8 miles back down Buckskin Road toward Alma and the finish line.
Total Bike: 5.6 miles
Ski: 3.0 miles
Run: 3.0 miles
Four legs. Three disciplines. One seriously memorable winter adventure.
RACE SOLO OR BUILD A TEAM
Not ready to tackle the whole thing by yourself? Grab some friends and race ALMAGeddon as a relay! Find your cyclist, recruit your Nordic skier and convince that friend who runs outside all winter anyway.
Or, take on the entire triathlon solo and earn some serious bragging rights.
MOTHER NATURE MAKES THE RULES
Here's something you should know about ALMAGeddon: The course could change.
This is a winter race in the Colorado High Country, and conditions can change quickly. Snowfall, temperatures and trail conditions will determine exactly what Race Day looks like.
Our Race Team will monitor conditions leading into race weekend and make adjustments when necessary to create the safest and best race experience possible. We'll be in touch the whole time, so there are no surprises on Race Day.
In 2026, Mother Nature had other plans and the ALMAGeddon became a Bike–Run–Bike. The athletes rolled with it. So did our Race Team. And we had an incredible day. Come prepared to race—and prepared for an adventure.
SMALL FIELD, BIG EXPERIENCE
ALMAGeddon is intentionally small. The field is capped at just 75 athletes. This intimate environment means no giant transition area, no anonymous starting corrals, and no getting lost in a crowd. You'll probably know the person racing next to you by the time the day is over. That's exactly how we like it.
ONE POT & LOTS OF FOOD
After racing in the snow, you'll deserve something warm. Stick around for our ALMAGeddon One-Pot Cookoff, where we'll warm up, eat, swap race stories and celebrate everyone who was crazy enough to join us.
Because ALMAGeddon isn't just about racing. It's about gathering around afterward and celebrating the adventure together.
RACING FOR OUR MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
ALMAGeddon is proud to name Park County Search and Rescue as our charity partner again in 2027. These are the people who keep our mountain community and its visitors safe year-round. In 2026, ALMAGeddon athletes and supporters helped us donate $1,855 to Park County Search and Rescue. By racing ALMAGeddon, you're helping support the people who show up when they're needed most.
ACCEPT THE RACE IN THE CLOUDS CHALLENGE
Snow isn't enough for you? Come back to Alma in June to race in the Dirt Festival! Athletes who race ALMAGeddon in January and return for the Dirt Festival in June will earn special Race in the Clouds recognition.
Snow in January... Dirt in June... Because one season in Alma just isn't enough.
WHY RACE ALMAGEDDON?
❄️ Winter racing at 10,600 feet
🚵 Fat biking on snow-covered mountain roads
🎿 Nordic skiing in Colorado's high country
🏃 Winter trail running
🏔️ Incredible mountain scenery
🔥 Small-town, grassroots race atmosphere
👥 Solo and relay options
🍲 Homemade post-race food
❤️ A race that supports our mountain community
And, of course, the satisfaction of being able to say: "Yeah, I raced a winter triathlon at 10,600 feet."
ALMA DIRT FESTIVAL
June 27-29, 2027
Race with Altitude!
Come play in the dirt at 10,600 feet! The Alma Dirt Festival is a full weekend of mountain biking, trail running, off-road duathlon, camping, cold beer, homemade food, and good old-fashioned high-country fun in Alma, Colorado—the highest incorporated town in North America.
This isn't a big-city race with barricades and pavement. It's a grassroots mountain weekend with challenging courses, huge views, friendly competition, and plenty of reasons to stick around after you cross the finish line.
Whether you're racing for the podium, chasing your first trail finish, bringing the kids, or just looking for an excuse to spend a summer weekend in the mountains—we've got a race for you!
Volunteer Signup for Dirt Fest is coming soon... stay tuned ;)
RACE WEEKEND
FRIDAY June 25th - Kids Takeover
We kick off Dirt Fest weekend with the FREE Pedal & Dash Bash! Young athletes ages 12 and under can bike and/or run in our completely FREE Pedal & Dash Bash in the Alma Town Park. Zero pressure. Just bikes, helmets, running shoes, cheering families, snacks, and a whole lot of fun.
SATURDAY June 26th - Let's Get Dirty
Mountain Bike Races: Bring your climbing legs! Our mountain bike courses combine high-country dirt roads, Forest Service roads, and singletrack, all with big climbs, fast descents, and spectacular views.
Off-Road Duathlon: Can't decide between running and riding? You don't have to. Our updated off-road duathlon is a true mountain challenge. Start with a 3.47-mile trail run, followed by a 13.4-mile mountain bike, and finish off with a 2.4-mile trail run.
SUNDAY June 27th - Run the High Country
Trail 10K: Our classic high-altitude trail race delivers plenty of climbing, beautiful scenery, and enough dirt to make those trail shoes feel properly loved. Bring your well-behaved 4-legged friends on this one!
NEW 13.4-Mile Trail Half Marathon: This is the one you've been waiting for! For 2027, we heard your feedback, and we're going bigger with the new Trail Half Marathon! This race delivers 13.4 miles of real Colorado high-country running, combining Forest Service roads, private land, and some beautiful mountain terrain surrounding Alma. You'll climb. You'll descend. You'll probably question a few life choices... And you'll get views that make every hard-earned mile worth it. This isn't your average half marathon. It's 13.4 miles at 10,600+ feet. Welcome to the Alma Dirt Fest.
THE COURSES
Dirt Fest courses showcase the terrain that makes Alma such a special place to race. Expect a mix of singletrack, Forest Service roads, graded county roads, and true high-country terrain. Yes, there will be climbing and lots of it. That's part of the deal when the starting line is already at 10,600 feet.
What to expect:
✔️ Big climbs
✔️ Fast, fun descents
✔️ High-country dirt
✔️ Incredible mountain views
✔️ Courses you'll remember long after your legs forgive you
RACE CATEGORIES & AWARDS
There will be Overall Awards as well as Awards for the top Male, Female, and Non-Binary athletes in each race format. In addition, we will recognize Age Group Awards in the following age categories:
🏆 U23
🏆 24–39
🏆 40–49
🏆 50–59
🏆 60+
In the 10K, you can run with your canine running partner on leash and be part of the Canine Challenge, a special division just for canine-human teams!
Overall award winners will be removed from age-group awards so we can recognize the most Dirt Fest athletes.
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL RACING
We love seeing the next generation of mountain athletes on our courses.
Middle School: Male and female athletes, ages 11–14
High School: Male and female athletes, ages 15–18
Parents & Coaches are invited to Race alongside their young Athletes for FREE! Once your athlete is registered, email raceintheclouds@gmail.com and we'll send you a complimentary race code.
ACCEPT THE RACE IN THE CLOUDS CHALLENGE
Race the ALMAGeddon Winter Triathlon in January and return for the Dirt Fest in June to earn our special Race in the Clouds recognition.
Snow in January... Dirt in June... Because one season in Alma just isn't enough.
WHY SPEND THE WEEKEND WITH US?
Stellar views of Colorado's 14ers
Mountain biking at 10,600 feet
Trail races for multiple distances and abilities
Off-road Duathlon
Weekend camping in the Buckskin Cemetery Meadow
Cold beer from Highside Brewing
Homemade post-race food
FREE Kids Race
A small-town, grassroots race atmosphere where everyone belongs
Come for the Race. Stay for the Vibes. See you in the Clouds!
RACE IN THE CLOUDS
Race in the Clouds is the ultimate grassroots event series, packed with adventure, community, and challenge. No matter the season, you'll enjoy an unparalleled, community-driven weekend of dirt/snow, grit, and stoke.
USA TRIATHLON SANCTIONING
This event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Every race entry includes a one-day membership (or annual membership for athletes 17 years old and under), which includes $25,000 of participant accident insurance. We hate to think that any athlete might get injured, but these sports are not without risks. USAT Annual Members will receive a registration rebate at packet pickup.
