Staunton Rocks! Marathon and Half Marathon

Welcome

Welcome to the Staunton Rocks! Marathon & Half, an event put on by trail runners for trail runners.

Touring the renowned singletrack of Staunton State Park in Colorado’s Front Range Mountains southwest of Denver, the race will take you back in time as you glide by historic buildings and old milling operations. The flowing trails and gradual climbs & descents will allow you to open up your running stride, while technical features scattered throughout will give your feet occasion to dance. Take in 60+ mile views from the numerous overlooks on course, run by scenic lakes and streams, and catch a glimpse of the numerous raptors that inhabit the stunning rock formations throughout the park. With runnable trails and generous cut-offs, our aim is to offer a trail running experience that is challenging, yet accessible to all.

We aspire to not only offer a first class trail racing experience on a challenging, scenic and impeccably marked course, but also a top-notch post-race experience that will leave your bellies full and the stories flowing.

Race Details

• Start: Staunton State Park, Pine, Colorado
• Distance: 26.3mi (4500') or 13.1mi (2200')
• Min/Max Elevation: 8,200' / 9,500'
• Average Elevation: 9,000'
• Terrain: 90% singletrack, 10% dirt road
• Fauna: Marmots, raptors, elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions
• Registration Caps: 150 Marathon / 150 Half Marathon
• Time Allowance: Marathon: 10 Hours: Half Marathon: 9 Hours
• Date: August 22, 2026
• Start Time: Marathon: 7:00a: Half Marathon: 8:00a

Registration

Marathon Race Fees:
Dec 15 - Feb 28: $110 + $7.60 fee
March 1 - May 31: $120 + $8.20 fee
June 1 - Aug 21: $130 + $8.80 fee

Half Marathon Race Fees:
Dec 15 - Feb 28: $90 + $6.40 fee
March 1 - May 31: $100 + $7.00 fee
June 1 - Aug 21: $110 + $7.40 fee

What You Get in Return for Your Registration Fee:

• A beautiful, well-marked and challenging course
• Enthusiastic, knowledgeable race and aid station staff & volunteers
• Fully stocked aid stations
• Gender specific race T-shirt
• Finisher award
• Free race photos
• Finish line meal that includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and non-alcoholic options
• Professional medical coverage

Waiting List

If the race fills, a waitlist will be established. If you are selected from the waitlist, you are given the opportunity to accept/decline the invitation. Your credit card will not be charged until you accept. Your fellow runners in line appreciate your prompt response.

Transfer Credit & Distance Change Policy

If you are not able to race, we will be able to offer a race transfer credit that can be applied to any future Gnar Runners race (valid for 12 months). Credit deadlines are as follows:

• Until March 31: 100% credit of registration (excluding RunSignup fees).
• April 1 - June 30: 75% credit of registration (excluding RunSignup fees).
• July 1 - August 19: 50% credit of registration (excluding RunSignup fees).

In order to receive your credit, you must cancel your registration through the RunSignup registration platform.

Deferrals

• Log in to your RunSignup account
• Go to Profile -> Upcoming Races -> Staunton Rocks -> Manage Registration
• Select “Defer Registration” and follow the automated process.
• Your credit will be valid for one year past the event date.

Distance Switch

• Log on to your RunSignup account
• Go to Profile -> Upcoming Races -> Staunton Rocks! -> Manage Registration
• Click the link to "Transfer Event"
• Follow the steps to register for the new distance

Runners in the half marathon can pay the additional fee to upgrade to the marathon. There is no charge for marathon runners dropping down to the half marathon. The online deadline to transfer is Thursday (8/21) at midnight.

Cancellation Policy

Entries are non-refundable. Entries are non-transferable, except for transfers via the waitlist. In the event the race is cancelled due to extreme weather, fire, disease, or some other unforeseeable event, we cannot offer refunds or credits.

Course & Aid Stations

The Marathon course will have approximately 4,500ft of vertical gain. The Half Marathon course will have approximately 2,200ft of vertical gain.

Course Maps

Download Course Map

Aid Stations

All full service aid stations will stock the following items:

• Gnarly Fuel2O Nutrition sports drink
• Water and ice
• Salty snacks: Pretzels, potato chips, corn chips, etc.
• Fruit: Bananas and Watermelons plus additional variety
• Sweets: Cookies, M&M's, Gummy bears, etc.
• Soda: Coke, Ginger Ale
• Sandwiches: PB&J, Ham & Cheese
• Plus unique treats for each station

There will be gluten-free and vegan alternatives for nearly all non-GF/V standard offerings. While we do our best to keep everything separated, please be aware that cross-contamination can occur.

Course Marking

The course will be well marked with pink flagging and pink pin flags. Important intersections will have flour ground markings and directional arrows.

Toilets

Park restrooms are available at various locations. If you need to relieve yourself outside these spots, please follow Leave No Trace principles.

Crew Access

Family and friends can meet their runners at designated areas, but pacing or