MountainAir Marathon Web site
GUNNISON, Colo. – Distance enthusiasts are invited to compete in the annual MountainAir Marathon Sept. 19. The full marathon follows Highway 135 from Crested Butte to Gunnison, ending at Mountaineer Bowl, while the half marathon starts and finishes in the Bowl. The event benefits the Western State Track and Field teams.
The full marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. on Country Road 738 one mile south of Crested Butte. The course follows the highway along the East River to Almont, and then turns off the highway onto Country Road 10 on the approach to Gunnison. Aid stations will be a miles 3, 6, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and the finish area.
Buses will transport participants from Paul Wright Gym at 6 a.m. and from the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at 7 a.m. to the start line. Any other transportation needs to be arranged.
The half marathon will utilize the trail systems behind Western State College for the first time this year.
Registration for the full marathon is $65 if signed up by Sept. 1. After Sept. 1, the registration fee increases to $75 until the cutoff date of Sept. 10. There is no on-site registration.
The half marathon costs $35 and increases to $45 during the Sept. 1-10 late registration period. Registration fees for both races are non refundable.
The race takes advantage of the cool fall temperatures and the fall colors of the surrounding mountains. The marathon is the largest road race in the valley, which hosts a number of trail races on the systems surrounding Gunnison.