Enlightenment Mountain Run
Ascent & Mountain Classic
August 15th & 16th, 2026
Kicking off the “Mountain Cap Trail Series”
Prepare your climbing legs for a trip to Enlightenment! New in 2026, we are offering a 2-day Trailrunning experience at the beautiful Angel Fire Resort. Choose to run up the Enlightenment Trail to the Summit (5 Miles) and then ride the Lift back down on Saturday. Then follow that up with a Mountain Classic style run on Sunday...same uphill course as Saturday but you get to run the Trail back down for an exhilarating 10M run. This challenging yet, super fun Singletrack Trail climbs roughly 2,000' up to the Summit and rewards you with incredible panoramic views of the Moreno Valley.
The Series also includes two other great New Mexico races...check out:
Pajarito Mountain Run- 10K in Los Alamos @ Pajarito Ski Area on August 22nd
Sandia Quest- 10M in Albuquerque @ Sandia Peak Ski Area on August 29th
Race Details
-
Two Days of Mountain Running in the idyllic Moreno Valley and the City of Angel Fire.
Saturday- 5 mile Ascent up the Enlightenment Trail to the Summit. Participants will then have the opportunity to ride the Lift back down.
Sunday- 10 mile Mountain Classic, enjoy the heartpounding ascent and then a fun and flowy descent back down to the Start/Finish.
*Run either event or Double Up for a unique prize at the end of Sunday’s adventure.
Rules:
-There are no early starts.
-There are no late starts.
-No littering -
Can I race multiple distances?
-Yes. We encourage you tackle the “Double” but you can run/hike Saturday or Sunday as a standalone event?
Can I sign up the day of the race?
-Yes, but we not have your preferred shirt size and other swag. Race day sign up will be cash only.
Can I bring my dog on the race course?
-Although we absolutely love running with our four-legged friends unfortunately, our insurance does not permit dogs on course.
Can I hike instead of run?
-Absolutely! We encourage all adventurers and will give you a generous amount of time to enjoy the route. In the end, we want all participants to be able to finish the race route.
Can I change my registration from Ascent to Mountain Classic and vice versa?
-We will accept changes up to registration close. Once registration closes, you cannot drop to a different distance. You may make these changes on your own in Ultrasignup, “Registration History”.
More info in our “Policies/FAQs” tab.
-
Angel Fire Resort, Angel Fire, NM
10 Miller Ln, Angel Fire, NM 87710
https://www.angelfireresort.com/
✓ Enjoy Endless Summer Fun
✓ Family Friendly Activities
✓ Over 60 Miles of Downhill Mountain Bike Terrain
✓ Spend your day Golfing, Boating, Hiking, Playing Disc Golf, and More -
Located on the deck just below the Lift at Angel Fire Resort.
“Ascent”- 5Mile
Saturday, 8am - 8:45am
“Mountain Classic”- 10Mile Up/Down, 8am - 8:45am
-
Angel Fire Resort is offering discounted lodging for all registered participants and their families/friends. The discount is provided in the registration confirmation after you sign up. The Resort also offers primitive camping that is first come, first serve and costs $15 per night and is located withing a short walk to Race Headquarters.
or
Multiple cabins and vacation rentals in the surrounding area. Patronage is always appreciated. -
Saturday & Sunday:
8:50am - Final announcements 9:00am- Race Starts
-
Ascent= Noon @ the Summit. Lift running all day though.
Mountain Classic= Noon @ the Summit. No cut off at the Finish.
-
-
The routes start at an elevation of roughly 8,600 feet and climbs to roughly 10,600 feet. You can expect cooler temps up high, perfect for that Summer escape from the Heat and Humidity of other areas.
-
The route has permanent blazes on the Enlightenment Trail and we add YELLOW confidence flagging along with YELLOW ground flags and Arrows.
-
The route follow a primarily Singletrack trail that has rocks, roots and other natural surface features. It is a beautiful trail with multiple lookout points and is highly engaging.
-
Typically Sunny and Beautiful.
Some afternoon storms are possible.
Use Angel Fire, NM when looking for future forecast.
-
We will provide Water, Tailwind and some basic nutrition at the Start/Finish.
You are expected to be mostly self sufficient on course.
We will supply Water, Tailwind and Gummy Bears at the Summit.
We do not provide cups. Please bring your own hydration vessel.
-
Custom laser engraved awards for all finishers.
Overall Awards for the following categories:
Male - Female - Non Binary - Masters
-
It becomes more and more difficult to respond to emails the closer it is to an event. If we don’t respond close to the event, please understand we are busy and/or out of service.
Please refrain from asking questions already addressed on our website.
If you’re capable of running the event, you’re probably capable of reading our information. Also, it probably takes more time to type an email versus reading.
All that said, we get good questions all the time and are happy to respond when we can.
