Staunton Rocks! Marathon

A 26.3-mile loop through Staunton State Park's celebrated singletrack southwest of Denver, stringing together the park's signature trail systems at 8,200–9,500 feet. The course visits the historic Old Mill ruins at Mason Creek, swings out for a lollipop loop over Lions Head with twin passes through Elk Pond, then climbs to the granite escarpments at Staunton Rocks before a long descent back to the Ranch Hand finish — covering 4,500 feet of gain across five distinct climbs.\n\nTerrain is predominantly flowing and runnable (90% singletrack, 10% dirt road), with gradual grades that reward consistent pacing over technical agility. Four aid stations keep runners fueled along the way; crew access is permitted at the start/finish area and Old Mill via the Mason Creek Trailhead. The 10-hour cutoff is deliberately generous, making this a strong choice for athletes pursuing their first mountain marathon or targeting a fast-friendly course. Multiple open overlooks deliver 60-plus-mile panoramic views of the Colorado Front Range, and the park's granite formations provide habitat for the raptors and mule deer frequently spotted mid-race.