The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail marathon (and 30K) through the heart of the West Elk Mountains during the peak of fall colors.
This race challenges you -- Our camps change kids
The West Elk Challenge is more than just a race- it's a fundraiser for the Nature Connection's Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, supporting kids and families across the Western Slope. This event is rooted in the values that guide our outdoor equity work: Courage through Challenge, Belonging in the Wild and Wellness through Wonder. When you choose to challenge yourself to run 26 miles over a high mountain pass, you’re building your own strength, wellness, and courage. Outdoor experiences have the power to do that — especially for kids.
When adults like you choose to take on this demanding mountain challenge, kids will gain access to outdoor experiences that build confidence, resilience, and joy. Your run helps open the door to summer camp— and to what kids can discover once they get here.
Course Descriptions:
Marathon: The marathon 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 end in the quaint little town of Paonia. The race is on singletrack trails for over half of the course!
30K: The 30K picks up with the marathoners at the base of Needle Rock (~mile 7 aid station) and follows along gravel roads for four miles before entering the Gunnison National Forest. It follows the same course up and over Inter-Ocean Pass and down into Paonia.
Free shuttle is provided pre-race from Paonia to the starting lines at Crawford State Park and 30K. 30K participants will be shuttled to their start line (you cannot drive to the 30K start line), and 30K participants can either grab the shuttle in Paonia OR at Crawford State Park. 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 Crawford State Park.
View Interactive Course Map - Marathon
View Interactive Course Map - 30K
Countdown to event
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Trail Marathon
Price changes in 1 month 28 days-
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Register for Trail Marathon$108.98
Early Bird Pricing
Now registering Jan 27 – May 31 -
$135.73
Standard Pricing
Jun 1 – Aug 31 -
$162.48
Last Minute Pricing
Sep 1 – Oct 1 -
ClosedOct 2 – Oct 2
-
30K Option
Price changes in 1 month 28 days-
The race will start at the USFS boundary (around mile 8 for the full marathoners) and follow the same course up and over Inter-Ocean Pass and down into the town of Paonia.
-
Register for 30K Option$108.98
Early Bird Pricing
Now registering Jan 27 – May 31 -
$135.73
Standard Pricing
Jun 1 – Aug 31 -
$162.48
Last Minute Pricing
Sep 1 – Oct 1 -
ClosedOct 2 – Oct 2
-
Event Schedule
| Packet Pickup Friday before race at Paonia Smith Community Center | Friday, October 2, 4:30-8PM |
| Race Day Packet Pickup at Crawford State Park, Iron Creek Campground | 7:00 - 7:45 AM |
| Bus Shuttle departs from Paonia Town Park Teen Center (next to skatepark) | 7:00 AM |
| Bus Shuttle arrives at Crawford State Park Starting Line | 7:30 AM |
| 26.2 Race Start Time | 8:00 AM |
| 30K Racers depart from Crawford State Park, Iron Creek Campground for start line | 8:05 AM |
| 30K Race Start Time | 8:45 AM |
| Cut off time: need to be at mile 11 aid station | 11:30 AM |
| Awards | 12:30 PM |
| Shuttle back to Crawford State Park | 2:30 PM |
| Shuttle back to Crawford State Park | 4:30 PM |
Post Race Race Party at finish line includes local beer, hard cider, juice, and snacks, and music DJed by KVNF.
Parking & Transportation
A free shuttle is provided from Paonia Town Park Teen Center (adjacent to the skatepark) to the race start line at Crawford State Park. 30K participants cannot drive to the 30K start line and must either take the free shuttle from Paonia Town Park OR meet at Crawford State Park to pick up the 30K busses. There is not a parking lot at Paonia Town Park, but rather street parking along that area.
If you decide to drive yourself to Crawford State Park, it is important to note that the Crawford State Park will charge you a $10 pass fee. You can avoid this fee by taking the free shuttle provided. There will be shuttles from the finish line to bring you back to your vehicle, departing at 2:30pm and 4:30pm.
Race Pack Pick-Up
Packets can be picked up Friday, October 2nd from 4:30-8pm at the Paonia Town Park Teen Center (next to the Paonia Skatepark) OR on race day between 7-7:45am at Crawford State Park marathon start line.
Contact information
- Event contact
- The Nature Connection
- Phone
- 970-872-5910
- Website
- Visit website
