Chase the Moon Endurance Run
Solo | 3-Person | 5-Person
50K | 25K | 10 Mile | 5 Mile
Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO
Chase the Moon is a 12-hour team relay and solo ultramarathon, run overnight under the light of the full moon in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry trail system (we promise some of the best views of the metro and front range). Run as a solo ultrarunner, or get your fellow moon-chasing friends for a 3-person or 5-person relay team.
Chase the Moon begins at 7 p.m. on Friday during a beautiful Rocky Mountain sunset, continues through the night beneath the illumination of the full moon, and finishes at 7 a.m. on Saturday as the sun rises in the east to paint the foothills with alpenglow. Don’t miss this unique and incredible running experience.
*Distances may vary slightly each year due to permitting.
Start Times
7:00pm - 12 Hour Solo, 50K & Relay Teams Start7:30pm - 50K Start
7:38pm - Moonrise
8:00pm - 25K Start
8:15pm - 10 Mile Start
8:24pm - Sunset
8:30pm - 5 Mile Start
8:55pm - End Civil Twilight
Bib Pickup
Mountain Vista High School10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO
Friday, July 11
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Volunteer
We need help to make Chase the Moon possible. Volunteer perks include Aravaipa race credits and race swag!100 Mile Challenge
Are you up for the Chase the Moon 100-Mile Challenge? A special challenge just for our 3-person relay division; if the 1st Place, 3-person team breaks 100 miles total for the 12-hour race, they will receive a $500 cash prize!Live Tracking
Follow the 2025 Chase the Moon with live split points throughout race weekend.Race Registration
Until 1/13 | Until 5/12 | Until 7/7 | Race Day | |
Solo Ultra | $145 | $155 | $165 | $175 |
3-Person Relay | $275 ($92 Per Person) | $305 ($102 |
$335 ($112 |
$365 ($122 |
5-Person Relay | $405 ($81 |
$455 ($91 |
$505 ($101 |
$555 ($111 |
50K | $145 | $155 | $165 | $175 |
25K | $95 | $105 | $115 | $125 |
10 Mile | $70 | $75 | $80 | $85 |
5 Mile | $50 | $55 | $60 | $65 |
Withdrawal Policy
NOTE: race swag only guaranteed with entry if registered on or before June 9, 2025.
Course Information
Start Time | 7:00 pm
Time Limit | 12 Hours
Distance | 10.3 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 870 feet
Max Elevation | 6,132 feet
Women's Course Record | 58.5 Miles - Emily Kunkel (2021)
Men's Course Record | 65.3 Miles - Andy Palmer (2017)
- Runners will follow a beautiful, rolling race course in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area. The 10.3 mile loop is 98% dirt trails with approx. 870 feet of elevation gain per lap, minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon, and finish as the sun rises again in the east to paint the foothills with alpenglow. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
- Solo runners will run the entire 10.3 mile course for their laps.
The course will be supported with two aid stations; Outlaw AS (Mile 4.3) and the Start/Finish (Mile 10.3). Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, and both have port-o-potties.
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Tailwind (Endurance Fuel), Soda
Food: Sweet and Salty snacks, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Bean rollups, PB&J
- Runners will run the course in a counterclockwise direction for their loops.
- Runners will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent, chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
- Runners may not receive crew support from anywhere else on course other than the Start/Finish, nor is pacing allowed.
- Runners may opt to run continuously (non-stop), or take an extended break in between laps, and can stop their run at any time (not required to run for the entire 12-hour duration).
- Solo runners completing 50K (3-laps) or more will receive a glow-in-the-dark ultra finisher medal. Runners completing 100K (6-laps) will also receive a glow-in-the-dark belt ultra belt buckle.
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners
receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Relay teams will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent,
chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
Start Time | 7:00 pm
Time Limit | 12 Hours
Distance | 10.3 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 870 feet
Max Elevation | 6,132 feet
Women's Course Record | New for 2024
Men's Course Record | New for 2024
- Runners will follow a beautiful, rolling race course in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area. The 10.3 mile loop is 98% dirt trails with approx. 870 feet of elevation gain per lap, minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon, and finish as the sun rises again in the east to paint the foothills with alpenglow. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
- Solo runners and 3-person relay teams will run the entire 10.3 mile course for their laps.
The course will be supported with two aid stations; Outlaw AS (Mile 4.3) and the Start/Finish (Mile 10.3). Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, and both have port-o-potties.
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Tailwind (Endurance Fuel), Soda
Food: Sweet and Salty snacks, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Bean rollups, PB&J
- Runners will run the course in a clockwise direction for their loops.
- 3-person relay teams will run the entire 10.3 mile course, marked in orange. 5-person relay teams will run on the same course, broken up into a 5.3 mile loop, marked in yellow (odd laps), and a 7.2 mile loop marked in blue (even laps). 5-person teams are not permitted to run the entire 10.3-mile course and must stick to the alternating yellow/blue loops only, for scoring/timing purposes. (Any deviation from this will be grounds for disqualification.)
- All relay exchanges will be made at the Start/Finish. No exchanges are allowed anywhere else on course.
- Teams will be able to set up a “crew area” in the designated area at the Start/Finish (e.g. tent, chairs, sleeping bags, additional race gear, etc.)
- Runners may not receive crew support from teammates anywhere else on course other than the Start/Finish, nor is pacing allowed.
- Relay teams do not have to keep to a set “batting order” for their runners and can change position during the race as needed (i.e., if a team member becomes too tired to run).
- Relay team members may run subsequent laps without an exchange (i.e., one runner does back-to-back laps).
- Relay teams may opt to run continuously (non-stop), or take an extended break in between laps, and can stop their run at any time (not required to run for the entire 12-hour duration).
- Relay team members will all receive glow-in-the-dark finisher medals.
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners
receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Relay teams will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent,
chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
Start Time | 7:00 pm
Time Limit | 12 Hours
Distance | 7 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 640 feet
Max Elevation | 6,313 feet
Women's Course Record | New for 2024
Men's Course Record | New for 2024
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon, and finish as the sun rises again in the east to paint the foothills with alpenglow. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
- 5-Person Relay Teams will alternate between two different routes, including a 7.1 mile loop (even numbered laps) and a 5.2 mile loop (odd numbered laps), each passing through Outlaw Aid before returning back to the start / finish area to complete the loop. Both loops are on almost entirely dirt trails with minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
The course will be supported with two aid stations, at “Outlaw” (Mile 4.3) and the Start/Finish (Mile 10.3). Solo, 3-Person, and 5-Person odd lap runners will pass through Outlaw Aid Station on course. 5-Person even lap course will pass near Outlaw AS a mile from the start of the lap.
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Tailwind (Endurance Fuel), Soda
Food: Sweet and Salty snacks, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Bean rollups, PB&J
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Relay teams will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent, chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
- Runners will run the course in a clockwise direction for their loops.
- 3-person relay teams will run the entire 10.3 mile course, marked in orange. 5-person relay teams will run on the same course, broken up into a 5.3 mile loop, marked in yellow (odd laps), and a 7.2 mile loop marked in blue (even laps). 5-person teams are not permitted to run the entire 10.3-mile course and must stick to the alternating yellow/blue loops only, for scoring/timing purposes. (Any deviation from this will be grounds for disqualification.)
- All relay exchanges will be made at the Start/Finish. No exchanges are allowed anywhere else on course.
- Teams will be able to set up a “crew area” in the designated area at the Start/Finish (e.g. tent, chairs, sleeping bags, additional race gear, etc.)
- Runners may not receive crew support from teammates anywhere else on course other than the Start/Finish, nor is pacing allowed.
- Relay teams do not have to keep to a set “batting order” for their runners and can change position during the race as needed (i.e., if a team member becomes too tired to run).
- Relay team members may run subsequent laps without an exchange (i.e., one runner does back-to-back laps).
- Relay teams may opt to run continuously (non-stop), or take an extended break in between laps, and can stop their run at any time (not required to run for the entire 12-hour duration).
- Relay team members will all receive glow-in-the-dark finisher medals.
Start Time | 7:30 pm
Time Limit | 11.5 Hours
Distance | 30.9 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 2,674 feet
Max Elevation | 6,313 feet
Women's Course Record | New for 2024
Men's Course Record | New for 2024
- Runners will follow a beautiful, rolling race course in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area. The 10.3 mile loop is 98% dirt trails with approx. 870 feet of elevation gain per lap, minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
The course will be supported with two aid stations, at “Outlaw” (Mile 4.3) and the Start/Finish (Mile 10.3).
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Tailwind (Endurance Fuel), Soda
Food: Sweet and Salty snacks, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Bean rollups, PB&J
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent, chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
Start Time | 8:00 pm
Time Limit | 11 Hours
Distance | 15.5 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 1,313 feet
Max Elevation | 6,313 feet
Women's Course Record | New for 2024
Men's Course Record | New for 2024
- Runners will follow a beautiful, rolling race course in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area. The course is run almost entirely on dirt trails with minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
The course will be supported with two aid stations, at “Outlaw” (Mile 4.3) and the Start/Finish (Mile 10.3).
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Tailwind (Endurance Fuel), Soda
Food: Sweet and Salty snacks, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Bean rollups, PB&J
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent, chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
Start Time | 8:15 pm
Time Limit | 10+ Hours
Distance | 10.3 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 890 feet
Max Elevation | 6,313 feet
Women's Course Record | New for 2024
Men's Course Record | New for 2024
- Runners will follow a beautiful, rolling race course in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area. The course is run almost entirely on dirt trails with minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
The course will be supported with one on-course aid station, at “Outlaw” (Mile 4.3) as well as the Start/Finish (Mile 10.3).
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Tailwind (Endurance Fuel), Soda
Food: Sweet and Salty snacks, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Bean rollups, PB&J
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent, chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
Start Time | 8:30 pm
Time Limit | 10+ Hours
Distance | 5.2 Miles
Total Elevation Gain | 422 feet
Max Elevation | 6,313 feet
Women's Course Record | New for 2024
Men's Course Record | New for 2024
- Runners will follow a beautiful, rolling race course in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area. The course is run almost entirely on dirt trails with minimal technical difficulty, and wide-open and exposed views… Perfect for a race at night!
- The race will begin under a Rocky Mountain sunset, continue throughout the night beneath the illumination of the full moon. Runners will run their loops in a counterclockwise direction.
- The race course will be well-marked with flags, flagging, reflective tape, signs, and spray chalk. All runners will also be required to run with a headlamp (or handheld light source), during the race.
The course will be supported with two aid stations, at “Outlaw” (Mile 4.3) and the Start/Finish (Mile 5.2).
Each aid station will be stocked with various hydration and food options, along with Kleenex, bug repellant, and Vaseline.
Aid Station Offerings:
Hydration: Water, Gatorade, Soda
Food: Chips/Fritos, Pretzels, Pickles, Cookies, M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers, Watermelon, Oranges, Bananas, Honey-Stinger Gels, Bean and tortilla rolls, PB&J mini-sandwiches
Crews
Runners may receive crew support only from the Start/Finish area. Runners receiving crew support from any other area may be subject to disqualification.
Pacers
Pacers are not allowed.
Will have a designated area at the Start/Finish for a drop bag, tent, chairs, sleeping bag, cooler with food/fluids, additional gear, etc.
Additional Race Info
The Bear Chase Race Series medical staff is responsible for providing all medical responses during the race. The medical staff and tent is located at the Start/Finish area, and Outlaw Aid Station will have basic first-aid supplies.
Runners experiencing a medical emergency on course will need to go to the nearest aid station, timing checkpoint, or report the emergency to a passing runner. Medical evacuations will only be reserved for serious or critical medical needs such that the injured party can not physically move under their own ability.
98% of the course is ran on dirt trail. Expect loose and rocky terrain with uneven surfaces. This terrain can be of a further challenge after sunset with limited to no light. Runners should carry a light source with them while on course, but it is not required to be used.
All runners are expected to be prepared for any weather condition and the race will continue on rain or shine, except in the event of hazardous weather conditions such as severe lightning. Runners in the vicinity of either the Start/Finish area, or Outlaw will be not be allowed to progress further until it has been determined safe to resume. Runners on course should take necessary safety precautions:
Signs of an imminent lightning strike include hair standing on end, or a buzzing/cracking sound. Immediately descend to a low dry point on the course or in the area. Do not shelter under a tree or rock overhang. Remove metal objects and packs, and separate from other runners. Crouch down with both feet together, and patiently wait out the storm.
Runners are required to respect the wildlife by not approaching, feeding, or harming wildlife. Race participants observed violating this are subject to race disqualification.
Rattlesnakes have been observed on the trail in previous years. If encountered on the trail, do not approach. Slowly back away, allowing the snake plenty of room. In most cases the snake will move along on it’s own. Do not attempt to move the snake with sticks or rocks. This will further antagonize the snake and increase its defensive posture. Slowly proceed forward after the snake has left the trail, listening for any indication the snake is nearby.
Post Race
All runners will receive a glow-in-the-dark finisher’s medal. Solo ultra runners who complete 100K will receive a one-of-a-kind, glow-in-the-dark belt buckle. Trophies will be awarded for the following:
• Solo (Men’s and women’s top three places)
• Team Relay (First-place teams only)
• Men’s 5-person
• Men’s 3-person
• Women’s 5-person
• Women’s 3-person
• Mixed 5-person
• Mixed 3-person
Are you up for the 100-Mile Challenge? A special challenge just for our 3-person relay division; if the 1st Place, 3-person team breaks 100 miles total within 12 hours, they will receive a $500 cash prize! (NOTE: With this year’s extended finish line of 8am, 3-person teams will need to cross the finish line within 12 hours of when their team started the race.)
Be sure to thank the 2-dozen volunteers who are supporting you to make your Bear Chase experience fantastic. If you have friends and family who would be interested in volunteering, please have them sign up at: https://aravaiparunning.ivolunteer.com/bc24
Results & Photos
Solo 12 Hour
Women's Course Record | 58.5 Miles - Emily Kunkel (2021)
Men's Course Record | 65.3 Miles - Andy Palmer (2017)
3-Person Relay
New in 2024
5-Person Relay
New in 2024
50K
New in 2024
25K
New in 2024
10 Mile
New in 2024
5 Mile
New in 2024
Follow the 2024 Rock Hawk with live split points throughout race weekend:
Aravaipa Live
Overall Place | Bib # | Team Name | Lap Count | Time | Distance |
1 | 308 | Prairie Doggin | 8 | 9:51:24 | 82.87664 |
2 | 313 | Yes Another Lap | 7 | 9:13:50 | 72.51706 |
3 | 304 | Fast Asleep | 7 | 11:03:24 | 72.51706 |
4 | 302 | ANDY SOLO NOMO | 6 | 8:39:24 | 62.15748 |
5 | 310 | The 3.00 Spartans | 6 | 8:43:52 | 62.15748 |
6 | 312 | Thumbs & Co | 6 | 9:44:39 | 62.15748 |
7 | 309 | Scientits on the run | 6 | 10:09:50 | 62.15748 |
8 | 305 | Globo-Gym | 6 | 11:23:14 | 62.15748 |
9 | 301 | .....But first Coffee!!! | 5 | 8:39:37 | 51.7979 |
10 | 306 | MILES MANAGED | 4 | 7:38:07 | 41.43832 |
Overall Place | Bib # | Team Name | Lap Count | Time | Distance |
1 | 506 | Trail Demons | 12 | 11:02:48 | 91.8096 |
2 | 507 | Wades Grandchildren | 12 | 11:46:20 | 91.8096 |
3 | 515 | Sun Safe is Sexy | 11 | 10:52:44 | 84.1588 |
4 | 517 | Runnin’ Down a Dream | 11 | 11:07:01 | 84.1588 |
5 | 503 | Down Under Dashing Dog Dads and Moms | 11 | 11:33:09 | 84.1588 |
6 | 510 | Chafing Our Moons | 10 | 11:11:07 | 76.508 |
7 | 511 | Hot Flashes | 10 | 11:17:16 | 76.508 |
8 | 505 | The most leThAl runners | 10 | 11:23:59 | 76.508 |
9 | 501 | CHFA 2! | 10 | 11:24:13 | 76.508 |
10 | 509 | CHFA1! | 10 | 11:57:39 | 76.508 |
11 | 516 | Ultra Fast | 9 | 11:13:36 | 68.8572 |
12 | 513 | Midnight Snaccs | 8 | 10:57:26 | 61.2064 |
13 | 504 | Hot Soccer Moms and Linus | 7 | 11:39:20 | 53.5556 |
14 | 502 | DSATT | 6 | 8:05:26 | 45.9048 |
15 | 514 | Not Fast Just Furious | 5 | 6:18:07 | 38.254 |