West Elk Challenge
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West Elk Challenge at Crawford State Park and Paonia
The West Elk Challenge takes place on October 3, 2026, between Crawford State Park and the town of Paonia, Colorado. The event is organized as a fundraiser for the Nature Connection Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, supporting outdoor access for kids and families on the Western Slope. Packet pickup is available the Friday before the race at the Paonia Smith Community Center and on race day at Crawford State Park.
The event offers two distance options and follows a point to point mountain route that travels from the shores of Crawford Reservoir through farmland, along gravel roads, and onto singletrack in the Gunnison National Forest. Runners climb through aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn, summit Inter-Ocean Pass at approximately 9,762 feet, and descend through mixed forest to finish in Paonia. More than half of the marathon course is on singletrack trails.
Logistics noted by the organizer include a free shuttle from Paonia to the start lines and shuttle service back to Crawford State Park for participants. Thirty kilometer participants cannot drive to the 30K start and must use the provided shuttle options. A park pass fee is required at Crawford State Park for those who drive to the start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.