Staunton Rocks

Staunton Rocks! Marathon and Half Marathon

This trail running event takes place in Colorado's Front Range Mountains, southwest of Denver, within Staunton State Park. The course tours the park's renowned singletrack trails, passing by historic buildings and old milling operations.

Participants can expect views of over 60 miles from numerous overlooks, scenic lakes, and streams. Wildlife in the area includes raptors, marmots, elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. The course is 90% singletrack and 10% dirt road. It is described as having flowing trails, gradual climbs and descents, and scattered technical features. The course is well-marked with pink flagging and directional arrows.

The event offers two distances:

• Marathon: Approximately 26.3 miles (42.3 km) with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.
• Half Marathon: Approximately 13.1 miles (21.1 km) with 2,200 feet of elevation gain.

Elevation on the courses ranges from a minimum of 8,200 feet to a maximum of 9,500 feet, with an average of 9,000 feet. Registration is capped at 150 participants per distance. The time allowance is 10 hours for the marathon and 9 hours for the half marathon.

Fully stocked aid stations are provided, offering water, sports drink, salty snacks, fruit, sweets, soda, sandwiches, and unique treats like oranges, bacon, and popsicles. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. A post-race meal is included. Participants also receive a gender-specific race T-shirt, a finisher award, and free race photos.

Parking at the park is reserved for carpools of two or more registered runners, with a shuttle service provided from a Park 'N Ride lot 5 miles away for single-runner vehicles. Crews and spectators can meet runners at designated aid stations but must pay a park entrance fee. The event is a Trail Sisters Approved race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.