West Elk Challenge
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West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
The West Elk Challenge is a point-to-point trail marathon with a 30K option through the North Fork Valley of Western Colorado, held on October 3, 2026. The event travels across Mt. Lamborn and into the Gunnison National Forest, climbing more than 4,000 feet to Inter-Ocean Pass (9,762 ft) before descending into Paonia.
Course surfaces include a few paved miles at the beginning and end, with the majority on gravel roads and singletrack forest trails. Marathon runners start at Crawford State Park while 30K runners begin near Needle Rock; both routes meet on the climb to Inter-Ocean Pass and finish in Paonia.
The organizer provides five aid stations placed at roughly miles 7, 11, 15, 19, and 22. Each station is staffed and offers water, snacks, and first aid supplies. West Elk Mountain Rescue supports the field operation. There is a cutoff at the mile 11 aid station to ensure participants are out of backcountry terrain by sunset. Weather in early October can change quickly, and participants are expected to be prepared for mountain conditions.
All event proceeds fund Nature Connection summer camp scholarships, with a stated fundraising goal of $25,000. Shuttle service is available between Paonia and the Crawford State Park start to reduce congestion and park day-use impacts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.