Cactus to Cloud Sky Race

The Cactus to Cloud Sky Race returns to Cloudcroft, New Mexico on October 17th and continues through the next day with a focus on endurance running in one of the state's most dramatic landscapes. This event invites participants from all over to experience the unique vertical adventure that starts at the desert floor and climbs up into the cloud-kissed peaks of the Sacramento Mountains. Organized by Wanderlust Running, this race is part of the inaugural Sacramento Mountains Ultra Series, which features three distinct events throughout summer and fall.
On race morning, runners will gather in Oliver Lee State Park before dawn to embark on their journey through diverse desert and mountain terrains. The atmosphere at the start line is one of anticipation as participants prepare for a day filled with scenic views and challenging trails. Temperatures typically hover around 12 degrees Celsius by early afternoon, providing crisp conditions that contrast sharply with the heat of lower elevations.
Established to celebrate New Mexico’s unique natural beauty, Cactus to Cloud Sky Race has been an annual event since its inception in 2019. It supports local conservation efforts and community initiatives through Wanderlust Running's sponsorship program. Each year sees hundreds of runners participating across various distances, making it a significant draw for both locals and visitors alike.
The race course is known for its dramatic elevation changes as participants transition from desert landscapes to high-elevation fir forests. The terrain includes historic rail-bed trails and single-track paths through the Sacramento Mountains. Runners can expect firm yet slightly soft trail conditions throughout their journey, with aid stations strategically placed along the route.
Weather in Cloudcroft during October typically ranges between 7 and 16 degrees Celsius, offering cool but manageable temperatures for long-distance running. With an average wind speed of around 10 kilometers per hour coming from the north-northeast direction, runners should anticipate a breezy day that may provide some relief on uphill climbs.
The Cactus to Cloud Sky Race offers two challenging distances: the Sky Run 50K and the Cloud Run 32K. Both routes wind through the scenic Sacramento Mountains above Alamogordo in New Mexico.