Dig in, dig deep

The National High School Trail Championship is here.

Time to rub a little dirt on it. Register now.
Sponsored by

Not an incoming high school freshman, an outgoing high school senior or somewhere in between?

The Beas Knees, a citizens race, has you covered and will allow you to test your trail running on the very course that will serve as the National High School Trail Championships later that morning. The Beas Knees will set off in the cool morning, mountain air at 7:20 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2023.

By definition, “the bee’s knees” means “the height of excellence.” We think that this definition appropriately fits Brett and it is our intention that the race will too

REgister now

Do we not know how to spell? The Beas Knees Citizens Race is named in recognition and honor of the late Brett Beasley. Brett, a U.S. Forest Service Ranger, was instrumental in connecting countless people to the outdoors and locally, his very fingerprints are literally all over Salida Mountain Trails. Brett, known as “The Beas” by his friends, has left a lasting legacy with his family and in our community.

Get ready for the 8th NHSTC race In Salida, COlorado. Race with the best in a fast, competitive race.

‍
July 27, 2024
Our 8th year running
July 27, 2024
Our 8th year running
Salida, Colorado
The iconic course.
Register now
Get the presale price.
A Race Like no other.

5.4 miles of fast, flying trails.

Race with your team up Salida, Colorado’s  "S” Mountain.

3 different races, all ages and levels welcome.

A race by the mountains,  
for the mountains

Salida Running,
Worldwide Clout

Small town, big talent.
Salida may have 5,000 residents, but during the NHSTC, we host some of the best young racers, sponsors, and representatives for leading trail teams.

Trail running
For all

Inclusion comes first.
Whether you're an XC veteran with scholarship offers or an incoming freshman that’s not sure how to put on a racing bib, come race. Not in highschool? The Beas Knees Community Race features talent from all age levels.

Enjoy the
scramble

It's okay to get dirty.
This race is on dirt because, well, we love dirt. Be ready to climb, run, jump, slide, suffer and rejoice. Weaving through 5.4 miles of beautiful single track.

Mountain
Racing

A community of trail lovers.
Connect with other racers that dig the same things you do: getting into nature, summiting, and jumping into the river when it’s all done.
WHo
WhAT
WhERE
WhEN
SCORING

All HighSchoolers
Welcome

  • NHSTC is open to all current high school athletes and is extended to include incoming freshman and 2024 high school graduates. There is no qualifying race for the NHSTC. The NHSTC will crown a team champion and individual champion for the girls and boys. THE BEAS KNEES CITIZENS RACE is open to all ages of racers, kicking off the same day.

A Race
Like no Other

  • Featuring switchbacks, climbs and descents, it doesn’t get any more trail than this - and they don’t call it the Rocky Mountains for nothing. Race distance is 5.4 miles.

S TOwnnn baby!

  • Salida, Colorado, specifically, on the Salida Mountain Trails system. To check out Salida Mountain Trails, go to their website.

See You at S Mountain

  • The race is Saturday, July 27, 2024, on the Salida Mountain Trails system. The Beas Knees Citizens race starts at 7:20 a.m. The Boys’ Championship starts at 8:20 a.m. and the Girls’ Championship starts at 8:45 a.m.

Teams of 5,
3 score

  • Form a team of up to 5, the top 3 score. Check with your team captain for details (i.e. team name).

    For the Beas Knees citizens' race, form a guys, girls or co-ed team.

NHSTC Highlights

2022
the route

Course Overview

2022
The Swag

HOKA Hooks
IT Up

The Course

5.4 miles up and down

Starting on Poblano Trail we conect with the Burn Pile Trail. Here, the course intensifies and racers prepare for a steady climb with a series of switchbacks while style having passing width. Burn Pile continues onto CR 176. From this point, racers will descend approximately .4 mile on CR 176 to the Rusty Lung Trail. Here you can comfortably pass. The Rusty Lung Trail the trail will narrow and put your climbing muscles to the test once again. It will continue to climb for the majority of its .9 mile length, but not as severly as the Burn Pile Trail. Connecting to Lil’ Rattler, this marks the high point of the course at 7,558 ft. in elevation. Now you'll enjoy the descent on the Lil’ Rattler and Frontside Trails. As the Frontside Trail runs out, racers will have one last golden moment to make a pass as the course widens during the final quarter mile of the race.
"This is a national level high school race that gives trail racers the venue to do what they do best. An athlete might have great speed, but that doesn’t always translate to the trail.
On the flip side, an athlete might not have elite speed, but they might have what it takes to be great on the trail."
Race Director And Salida Coach Kenny Wilcox

Saturday, July 27, 2024
Salida, CO

Riverside Park Bandshell (the corner of F Street and Sackett in Salida, CO 81201)
Questions or get involved
kenny.wilcox4@gmail.com
Questions or get involved
kenny.wilcox4@gmail.com
Become a sponsor
kenny.wilcox4@gmail.com

F

A

Q

S

Packet Pickup: From 5-7 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at 7000 Feet Running Company (140 W. 1st St., Unit A, Salida, CO). If you are with a group, please just send one or two representatives to pick up your race bibs and socks. Bibs and socks can also be picked up on race day beginning at 6: 30 a.m. at the Riverside Park (corner of F St. and Sackett, Salida) band shell.
‍
Parking: There is a bunch of parking just across the bridge on North F St. If you're in Salida, use "S Mountain" to find your way toward Riverside Park and parking. The city of Salida recently added a large parking lot that can be found just after crossing the F St. bridge and will be to the east. Parking is also available around Riverside Park. Take note that 2 blocks of F Street are blocked off for businesses near Riverside Park. Drive north on E or G Streets to Sackett Street to avoid closure.
‍
Bathrooms: Riverside Park has porta pottys and bathrooms. One block west of Riverside Park there are also bathrooms by the boat ramp. Please bring some hand sanitizer with you!
‍
Spectators: There's lots of space to watch the race unfold. Familiarize yourself with the map or ask one of our volunteers to steer you to a prime viewing location.
‍
Food/Water: Light post-race refreshments will be available.
‍
Late Registration: I'll be late for that.You may register on the day of the event, however, arrive in plenty of time to get signed up. Late registrants may not receive our custom socks.
‍
Awards: Awards will be presented at the Riverside Park Band Shell at the conclusion of all events.
‍
Results: Results will not be posted. You will be able to find results online through our timing company at racerite.com
‍
Food: If you're looking for food downtown, check out Moonlight Pizza, Amicas, Tacos El Tapatio, The Fritz, and The Boathouse. Little Red Hen Bakery is a great option! Need some coffee? There's Topo and Brown Dog downtown. Natural Grocers and Safeway are also within a few blocks of the race. This is not an exhaustive list, but gets you started in the right direction. We do have fast food options like Subway and Domino's on Highway 50.
‍
Entertainment: While you cool off from your race, you might want to check out Totally Tubular. They rent all kinds of river gear and it is within a block of the finish line. You can rent a boogie board or an inflatable raft.
‍
Trails: Want some more trails? Check out https://salidamountaintrails.org/Many of our local trails in the summer as best done in the morning. There is also several great options along the Continental Divide (Crest Trail) and Rainbow Trail (accessed via the Columbine Trail). For an easier bike ride close to town, check out the Spartan East, Spartan West and Little Rainbow Trails.

Team: Form a team of up to 5, the top 3 score. Check with your team captain for details (i.e. team name).

For the Beas Knees citizens' race, form a guys, girls or co-ed team.

Results: Find past race results on MileSplit here.
‍

So with that being said.. can we count you in?
‍

COURSE RECORDS

Beas Knees Mens'
Beas Knees Womens'
Girls' Championship
Boys' Championship
Taylor Stack 32:11, 2019
Aubrey Surage 36:47, 2023
Ella Hagen 36:31, 2023
Sullivan Middaugh 31:52, 2020
Thank you to our sponsors for making this all possible.
The Kelley Family
The Lightner Family
The Skahan Family
Website donated by Calo
Register Registration is now live. Make sure to secure your team's spot for this years race.
Close

The details

All you need to know before joining us for this event.

What’s included?
Your ticket gives access to the hands-on workshops and intimate nightly discussions. Dinner and drinks will be included each night.
What’s included?
Your ticket gives access to the hands-on workshops and intimate nightly discussions. Dinner and drinks will be included each night.
FAQ
Your ticket gives access to the hands-on workshops and intimate nightly discussions. Dinner and drinks will be included each night.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.