Sawmill Trail Runs

Sawmill Trail Runs

The Sawmill Trail Runs is an annual trail running event held at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colorado, with the Start/Finish at the Ranch Hand Group Picnic Area. The event offers multiple distance options:

• 50k
• 16-Mile
• 8-Mile

The combined runner capacity is 250 across all distances. Time limits are set per distance: 12 hours for the 50k and 11 hours for the 8-Mile and 16-Mile courses. The event moved to Staunton State Park in 2021 and began as an informal "Fat Ass" run before becoming an official race.

The courses traverse high-elevation terrain, with portions at about 8,000 feet and with nearby cliffs over 10,000 feet, and include well stocked aid stations. Registration typically includes a gender specific race shirt and a finisher's medal, though those items are not guaranteed for late registrations after the stated cutoff. A virtual pre-event briefing is held the week before the race.

Local logistics are shaped by permit conditions: parking within the park is limited, a park-and-ride with volunteer shuttles is used for most participants, and a state park pass is required. Spectators are discouraged and limited to the event staging area after races have started. Crews and pacers are prohibited. Drop bags are permitted only at the start/finish area and must be claimed after the event.

Winter conditions are possible at elevation. Traction devices such as micro-spikes are welcome and snowshoes are permitted if snow exceeds six inches. If deep snow makes the 50k first loop unsafe, organizers may shorten or alter the course, including asking 50k entrants to complete the 16-Mile course twice. The event is conducted under permits from Staunton State Park and Colorado Parks & Wildlife and emphasizes care for park resources. All finishers receive a unique finisher's award; the event does not present podium or age-group awards and awards are not mailed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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