West Elk Challenge

Name: West Elk Challenge
Start: 2026-10-03T14:00:00Z

Date:: Sat, Oct 03, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Location:: Clear Fork Campground Trail
Delta County, Colorado
81415
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:: /west-elk-challenge-trail-marathon/ Register at raceroster.com
Tags:: 30k 42k Gravel Run Trail

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

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25th Annual Black Canyon Triathlon [bctri.com] [Register at runsignup.com]
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

The Montrose Recreation Foundation proudly presents the 25th Annual Black Canyon Triathlon will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Maps and event FAQ’s here

USAT membership required for 2026 Black...

The Montrose Recreation Foundation proudly presents the 25th Annual Black Canyon Triathlon will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Maps and event FAQ’s here

USAT membership required for 2026 Black Canyon Triathlon.

This event attracts about 200 athletes and their families annually to Montrose. It is a well supported sprint distance triathlon.

The BCT is now a USAT certified race and you must have a membership in order to compete. We have lowered fees for some categories to help absorb some of the cost of the membership for 2025

There are individual youth and adult divisions, plus adult and youth teams(2 or 3 members). We also have a family team division and there must be an adult over 18 on the team to be considered a family team. We have competitors that age from 6 to 70!

The money raised from this event directly benefits the community of Montrose.

FAQ and Information

The swim is heated by age division (start order is : youth, teams, and individuals)and is held in the Montrose Recreation District’s pool. The ride is held on paved city streets or county roads suitable for road, mountain or hybrid bikes. The run is on sidewalks and neighborhood streets and is paved. See “Routes” tab for maps.

Please consider entering the Great Southwest Triathlon Series! There are races in Gunnison,Montrose, and Alamosa . There is a discount for all the races plus cool prizes for series competitors!

Packet Pickup and Orientation Meetings:

Packet pick up will be on September 25th from 5:30-7:30 pm at the MRD Community Recreation Center located at 16350 Woodgate Rd in Montrose.

A short orientation meeting for first time participants will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Proceeds-This is a fundraiser and all proceeds benefit the Montrose Recreation Foundation.

Proceeds from this event benefit the community of Montrose. The Black Canyon Triathlon is the primary fundraising mechanism for the Montrose Recreation Foundation(501 c-3). Funds are used to promote and expand recreational opportunities within the Montrose community. This includes activity scholarships for families,youth and older adults that qualify based on financial need. These scholarships are used to participate in sports, recreation activities, swimming lessons, and for access to the Montrose Community Recreation Center and Field House. In addition, local community groups that volunteer to help run the event also receive a donation to their organization.

Since it is a fundraiser no refunds will be given.

Please be appreciative patrons of all the generous sponsors that make this event possible!

Race Details

Time: 08:00 , September 26, 2026 16350 Woodgate Rd., Montrose, CO.

Divisions: Youth, Adult, Team, Youth Team, Family Team.

Distances:

Youth (6-10): 100 yd swim, 5k bike, .8k run.

Youth (11-14): 200 yd swim, 8.7k bike, 2.5k run.

Youth (15 to 18 years old): 500 yd swim, 22k bike, 5k run.

Adult (19 & Over): 500 yd swim, 22k bike, 5k run.

Team – Will do distance(s) corresponding to oldest team member’s correct division.

All team divisions can be made up of either 2 or 3 people. Example: two 10 year olds and an 11 year old are on a team, ALL participants would do the distances for the 11-14 division.

Family Team – MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE ADULT OVER 18 ON THE TEAM. Distances in this division would correspond to each participant’s age, and team members would be from same family. Example: distances if the family team consisted of a 8 year old(100 yd swim), an adult(25k bike), and a 13 year old(2.7k run).

Youth Team- Will do distance(s) corresponding to oldest team member’s correct division.

T-shirts and awards may be mailed or available for local pick up for late entries.

Awards ceremony will be held after last finisher-usually about 1-2 p.m.

Awards: Overall top male and female. Top three finishers in the following: Team, Family Team,Youth Team (6-10,11-14,15-18),Youth male and female(6-10,11-14), Male and Female 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44,45-49,50-54, 55-59,60-64, 65-69, 70+.

It is the responsibility of the participant to know the proper distance, if the participant does not follow the proper course and distance they will be disqualified.

Race Fees – 2026

On or before September 11th– Youth- $20, Youth Team – $40, Adult(19+)- $70, Team(Adult) – $140, Team(Family) -$110

September 12th-September 26th – Youth- $20, Youth Team – $40, Adult(19+)- $80 , Team(Regular)-$160, Team ( Family) – $130

Due to the fact that this triathlon is a fundraiser, no refunds will be given.

Other Information

Weather-Race may be stopped if safety of participants and/or staff in jeopardy. It may or may not be restarted and no refunds will be given.

Have fun, and encourage others!

Helpful links for first timers:

303 Triathlon

Contact:

Kevin Davis

Email: [email protected]

34.4 km
16350 Woodgate Rd, Montrose, Colorado, 81401, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Run Swim Triathlon Walk

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