West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Past event
Crawford, Colorado
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, in the stunning town of Crawford, Delta! This exhilarating race invites runners, walkers, and hikers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking fall foliage of the West Elk Mountains. Participants will embark on a point-to-point trail marathon that begins at the picturesque Crawford Reservoir State Park and winds through charming farms and ranches, all while surrounded by the striking backdrop of Needle Rock.
As the journey continues, you'll enter the enchanting Gunnison National Forest, where you'll tackle singletrack trails adorned with golden aspen trees. The climb to the impressive 9,762-foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass offers not only a physical challenge but also stunning views that will take your breath away. After the ascent, enjoy a scenic descent through lush spruce, aspen, and oak forests, culminating in a celebratory finish along the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Paonia.
Join in the post-race festivities with delicious food trucks and refreshing beer at Paonia River Park, and take advantage of the free shuttle service that will whisk you between Paonia and the starting line at Crawford State Park. Remember, this exciting event also serves as a fundraiser
As the journey continues, you'll enter the enchanting Gunnison National Forest, where you'll tackle singletrack trails adorned with golden aspen trees. The climb to the impressive 9,762-foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass offers not only a physical challenge but also stunning views that will take your breath away. After the ascent, enjoy a scenic descent through lush spruce, aspen, and oak forests, culminating in a celebratory finish along the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Paonia.
Join in the post-race festivities with delicious food trucks and refreshing beer at Paonia River Park, and take advantage of the free shuttle service that will whisk you between Paonia and the starting line at Crawford State Park. Remember, this exciting event also serves as a fundraiser
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Organiser's description
Run, walk, and hike your way through the fall foliage of the West Elk Mountains!
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-pount trail marathon through the heart of the West Elk Mountain range during the peak of fall colors.
The race starts on the shores of Crawford Reservoir State Park and travels on gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of the iconic Needle Rock. Soon thereafter, the trail enters the Gunnison National Forest and begins climbing the singletrack through golden aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After about 5 miles of climbing, runners top the 9,762 foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, and descend through spruce, aspen and oak, past Lone Cabin Reservoir to the town of Paonia and end along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The race is on single-track trails for over half of the course!
Post-race festivities include food trucks and beer at the Paonia River Park. Free shuttle is provided pre-race from Paonia to the starting line at Crawford State Park. As well, shuttles will be provided back to Crawford State Park for those runners who choose to drive to the start line (please note that a $10 park fee is required if you drive yourself to the start line).
This challenge is a fundraiser for the Nature Connections Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to break down barriers to get kids and families outside.
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-pount trail marathon through the heart of the West Elk Mountain range during the peak of fall colors.
The race starts on the shores of Crawford Reservoir State Park and travels on gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of the iconic Needle Rock. Soon thereafter, the trail enters the Gunnison National Forest and begins climbing the singletrack through golden aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After about 5 miles of climbing, runners top the 9,762 foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, and descend through spruce, aspen and oak, past Lone Cabin Reservoir to the town of Paonia and end along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The race is on single-track trails for over half of the course!
Post-race festivities include food trucks and beer at the Paonia River Park. Free shuttle is provided pre-race from Paonia to the starting line at Crawford State Park. As well, shuttles will be provided back to Crawford State Park for those runners who choose to drive to the start line (please note that a $10 park fee is required if you drive yourself to the start line).
This challenge is a fundraiser for the Nature Connections Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to break down barriers to get kids and families outside.
Location
40468 Hwy 92, Crawford, 81415, CO, United States
West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
Event data
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