Living Journeys Summit Hike, Half Marathon and 10K coming

Help out and maybe win some cash

By Stan Cola

Time to lace up the shoes for a cause as Living Journeys is hosting its annual Summit Hike, Half Marathon and, new this year, a 10K race on Saturday, July 29 at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. 

Living Journeys is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, emotional support and enrichment programs to those impacted by cancer in the Gunnison Valley.

“It’s no big stretch to say that Living Journeys helped save my life,” said Eric Larsen, Polar adventurer and outdoor guide and Stage 3b Colorectal cancer survivor. “When I was diagnosed in January of 2021, I had no idea the bulldozer of appointments, treatments, stress and despair that would completely level my life. Having cancer is like drowning, and neighbors, friends and family aren’t always available to throw you a rope. Thankfully, Living Journeys was always there to provide incredible support. It is a vital organization to the Gunnison Valley community.”

In 2022, Living Journeys distributed over $160,000 in financial grants and delivered over 2,000 healthy meals and boxes of seasonal fresh produce. Whether it’s finding a volunteer driver to give a ride to treatment or hosting a youth group dinner with a local therapist, Living Journeys ensures no one fights cancer alone. 

The Summit Hike, Half Marathon and 10K are an opportunity for local residents and visitors to Crested Butte to come together for a day of inspiration, remembrance and support. Participants can choose from three exciting options and each event offers a unique experience for both seasoned athletes and casual participants while showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Gunnison Valley.

The Summit Hike has been going for 23 years now and offers participants two options. They can take on the challenging 11.5-mile round-trip hike from the base area or ride the Silver Queen chairlift (lift ticket included in registration), which covers 2,000 vertical feet in 15 minutes.

From the top of the chairlift, participants follow a high alpine trail to the rocky peak, which is approximately two miles roundtrip and 762 vertical feet. At the summit of Mt Crested Butte (12,162 feet) participants get a 360-degree view of the West Elk Mountains, the Raggeds, the Snowmass/Maroon Bells Wilderness and the Gunnison National Forest.

Eleven years ago, Living Journeys added a race element to the event by bringing in the Half Marathon. This unique, home-grown 13.2-mile trail run promises incredible views and challenging trails. Starting at the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, runners follow singletrack as they wind their way up the mountain to the top of the Silver Queen chairlift for a total elevation gain of 2,342 feet before turning around to follow singletrack back down to the base area.

Last year they had 90 runners toe the line and this year Living Journeys is hoping to see as many as 150.

Want more than a hike but less than a high-altitude half marathon? Living Journeys has you covered as they added a 10K running race to the slate of options this year. The 10K scenic, singletrack trail run starts and ends at the base of Mount Crested Butte and follows the same singletrack climb as the Half Marathon but doesn’t climb all the way to the Silver Queen lift. It offers amazing views, beautiful wildflowers and a great challenge for runners looking for a shorter trail run with a total elevation gain of 990 feet.

“We talked about adding in the 10K during our debrief last year because of how challenging the half marathon is,” says Living Journeys executive director Julie Reid. “We wanted something a little more user friendly.”

And while the simple act of running to support Living Journeys should be enough reward, there is some cash up for grabs as the top three men and women in both the Half Marathon and the 10K will get a payout with $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third place. Furthermore, both races are part of the Eddyline Brewing Trail Series.

A post-event catered lunch celebration awaits all event participants at the base of Mount Crested Butte. 

Funds raised from the Living Journeys Summit Hike, Half Marathon, and 10K go directly to Living Journeys’ critical programs which are a lifeline to people in the Gunnison Valley battling cancer. To learn more about the Summit Hike and Trail Run events or to register, please visit the official website at living journeys.org.