Running Up for Air - Staunton Rocks

Race Overview

Running Up for Air unites our community over a shared passion for running and a desire to drive real, lasting change in the fight for cleaner air. Through endurance events and strategic partnerships, every mile and vertical foot run and every hour volunteered amplifies support for nonprofits dedicated to air quality solutions, ensuring even small donations have greater impact. We tread lightly on the trails while standing firm in our commitment to a healthier planet and cleaner air for all.

Event Purpose

• Community Focus: Running Up for Air is a growing collection of endurance events created to amplify informed dialogue and empower individuals and organizations actively working on air quality solutions.
• Support for Nonprofits: Proceeds from Up For Air events are directed at carefully selected and vetted non-profit groups who demonstrate high value influence strategies and efforts in the battle for better air.
• Educational Component: The race platform is used to expose participants and the general public to science-based material about the importance of healthy air.
• Environmental Commitment: All events are conducted with a minimal footprint philosophy.

Race Details

Running Up For Air-Staunton is the Colorado edition of the Running Up for Air Series: a 3, 6, 12, or 24-hour winter endurance challenge that takes place at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colorado. Now in its 8th year, Running Up for Air Staunton was launched in 2017 to raise money in support of the fight for improved air quality for those who live along the front range of Colorado - extending all the way from Ft. Collins to Pueblo where air quality is a real and significant issue.

• Race Concept: Participants run a 7.1 mile marked trail loop as many times as possible in the allotted time.
• Elevation Gain: Each lap offers just over 1600' of gain.
• Winter Challenges: Conditions can be tricky in the winter months - think snow and ice!
• Seasonal Timing: The time of year - February - is intentional as it coincides with the latter part of the winter inversion "season" here in Colorado.

Event Schedule

RUFA-Staunton is scheduled for February 6-7, 2026. Back again this year is the option to do a team for the 24-hour and 12-hour events.

• Team Options: In the 24-hour, teams can be 2 or 4 person, and in the 12-hour teams can be 2-person.
• Fundraising Requirement: All runners are expected to become fundraisers to support the good work of our selected nonprofit partner: Conservation Colorado Education Fund, chosen for their hard work improving our air quality and preserving and protecting our natural environment.
• Free Entry Opportunity: If you raise 10X your registration fee, you will be refunded what you paid to run the race!

Event Location

The race will be held at 12102 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO.

More Information

For additional details, visit the official race page: Running Up for Air - Staunton.