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West Elk Challenge

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 Road Run Track 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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  • Black Canyon Ascent [sanjuanmountainrunners.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 16, 2026 at 7:00 AM

    Description

    About the Event

    Since 1977, the Black Canyon Ascent has been one of the most beloved races in the region and is a flagship event for the San Juan Mountain Runners. Originally started to celebrate the...

    About the Event

    Since 1977, the Black Canyon Ascent has been one of the most beloved races in the region and is a flagship event for the San Juan Mountain Runners. Originally started to celebrate the rugged beauty of Montrose’s "backyard," the Ascent has evolved into an important community fundraiser. This year, proceeds will benefit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

    Pre-Race

    Runners must park in Montrose at the Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club (1869 E. Main Street, Montrose) for the shuttle bus to the start line. A post-race shuttle will return you to your car. Look for a more detailed schedule soon!

    The Course: A Climb to the Clouds!

    The Black Canyon Ascent is a 6-mile point-to-point challenge that demands respect and rewards effort. Starting at an elevation of roughly 6,500 feet, the course gains nearly 2,000 vertical feet over a steady 5-mile climb up Colorado Highway 347. Note the road is not closed, and participants must stay on the left side of the road for their safety and to allow traffic to pass. Two aid stations along the route will help keep you hydrated.

    The Surface: The entire course is run on a two-lane paved road, making it accessible for both runners and Challenge Walkers.

    The "Kick": At Mile 5, you officially enter the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As you pass the entry kiosk, the road finally levels out, offering a brief, fast downhill stretch toward the campground that will test your "jelly legs" right before the finish.

    The Finish Line: You’ll finish at the South Rim’s amphitheater, surrounded by the park’s signature piñon-juniper forest and the crisp mountain air.

    Post-Race

    The "Ascent" is famous for its post-race atmosphere. After conquering the climb, participants gather at the park’s amphitheater to enjoy:

    • An awesome breakfast burrito: A long-standing tradition of post-race fuel.

    • The Views: Stick around after the race and explore the rim overlooks. Or after catching the shuttle back to your car, drive back into the Park on your own to explore. Your race bib is your ticket for re-entry into the Park (it can also serve as a discount if you want to upgrade to a National Parks Annual Pass in the Visitors’ Center).

    • Our amazing community: Whether you finish in 45 minutes or 2 hours, the camaraderie at the top is what keeps people coming back year after year.

    Hang on to your race bib! Not only does it get you back into the Park, but after taking the shuttle back to your car, your race bib is your ticket for a free beer or soda at Montrose’s Pomona Brewing Company. Just show the bartender your bib!

    ⚠️ CRITICAL RACE LOGISTICS ⚠️

    • No Start-Line Parking: Because the race finishes inside the National Park, there is NO parking at the start line (except for volunteers).

    • Runner Shuttles: A mandatory shuttle service will take you from Montrose to the start line, and bring you back down after the race.

    • Drop Bags: Drop bags may be left at the start line (please label it with your bib number) and will be waiting for you at the finish line. Clothing not claimed by the time the last shuttle departs will be donated to a local charity. Mornings can be chilly especially when just standing around waiting for the race to start!

    • Spectator Info: There is no parking at the finish line or the adjacent campground. Friends and family must park at the Tomichi Point overlook (0.5-mile hike to the finish) or the Visitor Center (1-mile hike). Note: Family and friends are responsible for their own park entrance fees.

    • Camping: Park campgrounds are currently closed due to last year's fire damage. Dispersed camping is available on nearby BLM land (click here for details).
    34.1 km
    9800 Hwy 347, Olathe, Colorado, 81402, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    6 Miles Run Walk

  • 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: blackcanyontri@yahoo.com
    34.4 km
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    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    Run Swim Triathlon Walk

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