Moving Mountains Since 2014
The Human Potential Running Series is the largest trail running, and ultramarathon running, series in the state of Colorado; and the 2nd largest ultrarunning series in the nation.
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All Time Registrants
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Events Held
Zero Cancellations*
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Individual Races
*The only major race series on the planet without a single cancellation through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Challenge
Human Potential Running Series (HPRS) was founded on the belief that everyone has their own reservoir of untapped human potential. We believe the right mix of challenge and adversity can allow you to tap into your potential in sport and in life. With event distances from 5k to 200 miles, HPRS offers opportunities for virtually every level of athlete to challenge themselves. Make no mistake, our races are TOUGH, but we work hard to create conditions that support your success.
Belonging
We are a place where all explorers are welcome. We want you to show up as your authentic self. Our events provide a space for all explorers to feel safe in a supportive community where they can be an important part of something greater than themselves. From our inclusivity and anti-discrimination policies to our generous cut-offs, we're leading the way towards "Running Is For Everyone."
Ego-Averse
Our ego-averse framework sets us apart from other events like ours. HPRS is more than a group of races. For over 10 years we've hosted events designed to provide opportunities for people to challenge themselves within a community that values adventure and accountability. We offer challenges that stretch each person’s view of what is possible. We celebrate everyone’s accomplishments by providing the same awards for all finishers; no podium, no age group awards, no 1st-3rd. EVERYONE
Community
Volunteering is critical to supporting the HPRS community. Events like ours can't happen without volunteers to help with marking trails, working aid stations, handing out medals at the finish line, and other critical functions. Our volunteers are part of how we manage risk and encourage each other. While we offer generous race credit to our volunteers, the bigger part of volunteering is the opportunity for you to contribute to the collective, playing a vital role in getting everyone across the finish line.
People Over Profit
People count. HPRS is a family owned and operated business where we give maximum heart and effort to the collective experience. At HPRS you won't find large crowds, bands on mountain passes, or the corporate feel you might experience at other running events. Although we're a for-profit business entity, that doesn't mean we can't value people more-so than the generation of maximum profits. We provide our community with transparency and authenticity even when it's uncomfortable to do so. We believe that HPRS runners deserve to be treated with respect and that truth matters.
What Our Runners Are Saying
"I wanted to thank you for putting on such a thoughtful, fun race. It was one of my favorite races of all time because you truly foster camaraderie, support, and the trail culture of kindness. As a woman, I’ve experienced quite a bit of sexism and shame regarding my intentional slow pace. At this race I felt comfortable and valued."
Meredith G
"This is my fourth event with them, and the people who run this keep me coming back. But don't let the humor and the relaxed vibe at the start line fool you. These runs are HARD and will test you. John keeps it fun, however, and truthfully, nobody cares about your Strava."
Blaine M
"What an amazing community you have built. The effort, care, and attention to detail you give to your events was immediately obvious... here is an entire community that trusts you to provide a safe and well planned experience, and I truly felt like you did!"
Lauren RW
"This is an inclusive and supportive running community! The events have challenging and beautiful ultra distances and have now added mileage options that are approachable for other trail runners, which still call for training and goal setting. I especially appreciate that the group is "ego averse."
Anne-Marie S
"Tremendous approach of community coupled with daunting courses make this a wonderful running series. Highly recommend HPRS."
Steven P
"I was hooked from my first race, Sheep Mountain 50 Mile in 2020 where I got a DNF! Since then, I have run 3 more races and volunteered at 7 and spectated at 2 and have had the absolute best time every time. I love the difficulty of the courses and the volunteers and runners have all been great."
Derek T
"As someone who did two races with HPRS last year and have signed up for 3 so far this year- please keep doing what you are doing! I finally feel like a part of something."
Becca M
"Great community, events made for everyone. Their races are remote, small, hard, fun and rewarding. Love the mellow vibe at HPRS events!"
Charles H
"HPRS, please don’t ever stop or change who you are! I appreciated the bluntness of it all, made me respect a little more what we were all about to do."
Lauren M
"The thing I love about the community you’ve built is that literally every. single. person said something encouraging every time we crossed paths. Everyone was there for everyone. It was just cool to be in the physically toughest thing I’ve ever experienced to be surrounded by support from complete strangers. If you can’t tell- I'm not a runner. I spent most of my adult life competing in powerlifting. I even told my wife at the pre-race meeting that I didn’t feel like I belonged here. Man was I wrong. I felt welcomed, supported and embraced by the HPRS community. By not having a podium and first place in every possible age group and gender award, you’ve replaced the “me” with “we”. Running is such an individual sport, but you’ve figured out how to make it feel like everyone is on the same team."
Ben S
"HPRS represents ALL the aspects of trail racing we were looking for when my husband and I arrived in Colorado 5 years ago: Human size venues, friendly and down to earth participants, beautiful and challenging trails, races with a twist like BINGO or run loops for a number of hours! A real community of runners without pretention. Cherry on the cake we continue to race during the pandemic with YOU. You managed to accommodate everybody without judgment in a smart and creative way! Our experience was 4 cancellations/deferrals with Ironman in 2 years versus 6 races with HRPS. We are hooked!"
Anne B
"I have really appreciated your events because you focus on the JOY of being outside and having the privilege of being able to be out there all day with the fellowship of supportive group of like minded folks! All participants are out there making sure everyone is having a good day— even the really fast folks stop to talk, check on people. So fun!"
Atsuko O
"If you ever even thought about signing up to complete a trail run and were intimidated by the "race" aspect of high pressure time cutoffs, high pace, high performance expectations, and the ego heavy podium-focused events - then HPRS has a place for YOU! don't know how many times at the finish line I've heard people walking away saying "There's just something DIFFERENT about this"."
Jason M
The Human Potential Running Series (HPRS) is a Member organization of Outside 285, the Coalition for Outdoor Access, and Leave No Trace.
HPRS meets or exceeds all event standards of the ATRA and RRCA. Our race director is a RRCA Certified Professional Race Director.
We support the efforts of Trails are Common Ground™ to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for anyone who steps, rides or rolls onto any trail, anywhere.
HPRS could not host our events without the support of various public land managers and private land owners. We want to especially thank The USDA United States Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife/Colorado State Parks, Texas State Parks, Music Meadows Ranch, Granby Ranch Resort, Park County Colorado, and Huerfano County Colorado. Without their support events like ours would not happen.
Please respect the lands we recreate on; it is a privilege and not a right.