West Elk Challenge
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West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail race with two distance options: a marathon (26.2 miles) and a 30K (18 miles). The event takes place in the North Fork Valley of Western Colorado.
Both routes start separately and converge. The marathon begins at Crawford State Park. The 30K begins near Needle Rock. Both courses climb to Inter-Ocean Pass (9,762 ft) in the Gunnison National Forest on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn and finish in Paonia. The marathon route features over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The course is primarily on gravel roads and singletrack forest trails, with a few paved sections at the start and end.
The race includes five aid stations with water, snacks, first aid, and volunteers. There is a cutoff time at the mile 11 aid station. West Elk Mountain Rescue provides support. The event is held in early October, coinciding with peak fall colors in the area.
The event serves as a fundraiser. All proceeds fund scholarships for the organizer's summer camps.
Logistics
Packet pickup is available the day before the race or on race morning at the marathon start line. A shuttle service is provided from Paonia to the marathon start. The 30K start is accessed by shuttle from the marathon start line. Awards are presented after the top three finishers in each category cross the finish line.
Registration
Registration pricing is tiered: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Early bird: $100 (before May 31).
- Standard: $125 (June 1 to August 31).
- Late: $150 (on or after September 1).