NEDERLAND — Runners of all ages flocked to 151 East Street in Nederland on Saturday, September 12, to participate in the 2026 NedNed Trail Festival. The race consisted of a 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon run, all to raise funds for the region’s own youth-oriented nonprofit powerhouse, TEENS, Inc. 

The event, started 44 years ago by Nederland locals Kay Turnbaugh and Pat Willis, has since become not only a fundraiser but an anticipated annual event. A nice addition was course design by Peak to Peak Endurance.

“Your participation here today has a huge impact on the long term sustainability of our youth community,” Race Director Gavin Coombs wrote to registered racers in the official 2026 Race Guide. “Thank you, once again, and we hope you have as much fun racing as we do putting this race on!”

Gavin Coombs of Peak to Peak Endurance counted down for each group of runners, while also warning them of certain obstacles —  like the rogue moose on 1st Street.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Starting with the launch of the Half Marathon at 8 a.m., Coombs counted down for each group, emboldening racers to have a good time and to also be aware of their surroundings and to remain safe. Heavy vehicle traffic was definitely a concern over the busy weekend, and a moose was also reported to be hanging around the starting line on East 1st Street. 

Each course was designed to create healthy competition and some smiles.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

As racers made their way back to TEENS, Inc., they passed through the throng cheering encouragement —members of Ned XC, the Nederland Middle-Senior High School Cross Country team, and the cowbell-waving crowd. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the expo provided runners with free hydration, as well as other beverage options for attendees, such as some much-needed caffeine from Poppy’s Coffee.

The sounds of mountain bluegrass band Windy Pines filled the air. Crowds enjoyed checking out gear by Deuter, signing up their pups for Camp Bow Wow, hitting up the bake sale to support the Nederland Panthers, and checking out the delicious tacos by Rayo of Boulder. 

Awards were also presented to the top three overall racers for each course, and for those in all the different age groups who participated in the Half Marathon race, from 19 years old to 70 and above. First place winners of the Half Marathon received a $150 cash prize. 

A photo finish!

Photo by Christopher Kelley

A special thanks to Peak to Peak Endurance for organizing the 2026 NedNed Trail Festival, and to all the volunteers who helped to manage the event, and to all the great sponsors who made the event possible, including Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, Floyd’s of Leadville, On, Skratch Labs, Suunto, and Training Peaks. 

For more information on TEENS Inc. go to teensinc.org 

For more information about Peak to Peak Endurance and their many community-benefitting programs and events, go to peaktopeakendurance.com 

For 2026 NedNed race results, go to nednedtrailfest.com .