West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
- Date Sat 5th October 2024
- Time 10:00AM EST
- Location Crawford, Colorado
- Races 1 race
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, in the stunning Crawford, Delta area! This exhilarating point-to-point trail marathon invites runners, walkers, and hikers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking fall foliage of the West Elk Mountains. Kicking off at the scenic Crawford Reservoir State Park, participants will traverse picturesque gravel roads, meandering through charming farms and ranches beneath the iconic Needle Rock.
As you ascend into the majestic Gunnison National Forest, the trail reveals the golden beauty of aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After an invigorating climb, you'll conquer the 9,762-foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, followed by a thrilling descent through diverse landscapes to the welcoming town of Paonia, finishing along the serene North Fork of the Gunnison River. With over half the course on single-track trails, this marathon promises a true back-to-nature experience!
Join us for post-race festivities featuring delicious food trucks and refreshing beer at Paonia River Park, and enjoy the convenience of free shuttles to and from the starting line. Not only will you be taking on an incredible challenge, but you'll also be supporting the Nature Connections
As you ascend into the majestic Gunnison National Forest, the trail reveals the golden beauty of aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After an invigorating climb, you'll conquer the 9,762-foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, followed by a thrilling descent through diverse landscapes to the welcoming town of Paonia, finishing along the serene North Fork of the Gunnison River. With over half the course on single-track trails, this marathon promises a true back-to-nature experience!
Join us for post-race festivities featuring delicious food trucks and refreshing beer at Paonia River Park, and enjoy the convenience of free shuttles to and from the starting line. Not only will you be taking on an incredible challenge, but you'll also be supporting the Nature Connections
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.
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