Staunton Rocks! Half Marathon

A 13.1-mile loop through the heart of Staunton State Park in the Colorado Front Range foothills, covering 2,200 feet of gain between 8,200 and 9,500 feet. From the Ranch Hand start, the course climbs the Mason Creek drainage past old-growth forest to the historic Old Mill aid station, then pushes up onto the granite ridgeline at Staunton Rocks before a flowing descent back to the finish on near-pure singletrack.\n\nWith two well-stocked aid stations, crew access at the start/finish and Old Mill, and a generous 9-hour cutoff, the half offers an accessible entry point into mountain trail running without sacrificing scenery. Expect the same enthusiastic volunteer support and welcoming atmosphere as the marathon, including the same sweeping Front Range views from the park's open overlooks. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in August; runners should pack a rain layer.