Racing at Altitude — The Mile High Classic

2026 Rules

1. 4 races: 170, 220, 265, and 345 miles (final). Possibly a 5th at 390. Dates TBD.
2. 120-mile activation race prior to main series.
3. Loft east of Denver. Birds fly East to West along I-70 & Hwy 24 at 1,280–1,450 ypm.
4. Birds accepted Feb 18–Apr 30. Replacements May 1–31.
5. Capacity: 450 pigeons.
6. Perch: $150/bird or 6 for $750 (team).
7. Activation: $250/bird. 10% to Mile High Classic.
8. Must arrive with covered perch and PMV vaccine. Vaccinated again at arrival.
9. 2026 seamless band required (AU, IF, CU, etc.).
10. Once at loft, birds cannot be removed — become loft property.
11. Must activate by deadline or birds become derby property and sold.
12. 9th & 10th flight feathers cut and pulled on all birds.
13. Training flights on Facebook Live.
14. No release if winds >15 mph, N-S, or crosswinds.
15. Final race: first drop (tie, paid equally), then clocking order.
16. All races open 48 hours.
17. No returns in 48 hrs = money split equally among basketed birds.
18. 10% deducted if chip undetected but bird arrived (logged last).
19. Ties share prize equally.
20. Unclaimed prizes in 48 hrs redistributed, minus 10%.
21. After final race, birds returned. Shipping paid by owner.
22. After 7 days unclaimed birds become derby property.
23. 170 Mile Race: first 5 birds get a free perch.
24. Mile High Classic reserves the right to make all decisions.