FKT: John Clarke - Manitou Missing Link Loop (CO) - 2022-05-19

I love the Missing Link route! I've run it a couple times previously. It's a big effort with just under 30 miles and over 6,000 feet vertical gain. It was a hot day as it turned out. Mid-80s F. I carried 2 liters fluid plus a small can of coke (222 ml). I ran out with about 6 miles to go and dehydrated. Slowed down significantly toward the end. I would definitely recommend carrying a water filter and resupplying at one or more of the four streams along the route: 1) around mile 9 on the Lake Moraine Trail (Missing Link), a couple miles later on Jones Park (667), third awhile later toward the bottom of 666 just before High Drive around mile 19 or 20, and lastly on Intemann Trail just before Crystal Park Road toward the end. Nonetheless, it was a great day out in the mountains! Lots of downed trees along the Missing Link from wind and snow storms (at least 20-30).