Mount Crested Butte to Host the 23rd Annual Living Journeys Summit Hike, Half Marathon, and Inaugural 10K on Saturday July 29

July 12, 2023

Popular Event Supports Gunnison Valley Residents Impacted by Cancer

Crested Butte, CO (July 12, 2023)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Living Journeys, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, emotional support, and enrichment programs to those impacted by cancer in the Gunnison Valley, is thrilled to announce the upcoming Living Journeys Summit Hike, Half Marathon, and 10K. The events will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Mount Crested Butte, Colorado.

“It’s no small stretch to say that Living Journeys helped save my life,” said Eric Larsen, Polar adventurer & 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.”

Living Journeys understands the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. Through their financial grants program, Living Journeys is able to directly assist individuals with living expenses, medical bills, and other expenses brought on by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. 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 Living Journeys Summit Hike, Half Marathon, and 10K is 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: the 23rd annual Summit Hike, 11th annual Half Marathon, or inaugural 10K. Each event offers a unique experience for both seasoned athletes and casual participants while showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Gunnison Valley. A post-event catered lunch celebration awaits all event participants at the base of Mount Crested Butte.

• Summit Hike: Participants have the option to do 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 2 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.
• Half Marathon: This unique, home-grown 13.2-mile trail run on Mount Crested Butte, in the heart of the West Elk Mountains in southwestern Colorado, 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. Then runners follow singletrack back down to the base area, where they enjoy a post-race lunch celebration. (Elevation Gain – 2,342’).
• 10K: A scenic, singletrack trail run starting and ending at the base of Mount Crested Butte, this course 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 wild flowers, and a great challenge for runners looking for a shorter trail run. (Elevation Gain – 990’).

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.

Media may use these photo assets (please give photo credit to Living Journeys).

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Maria Hennessey

SMAK Strategies

303.859.3317

maria@smakstrategies.com

About Living Journeys:

Living Journeys is a non-profit organization committed to assisting Gunnison Valley residents impacted by cancer. Through financial grants, emotional support, and enrichment programs, Living Journeys aims to alleviate the burden associated with cancer and provide hope and healing to those in need. No one in Gunnison County has to fight cancer alone. To learn more, visit livingjourneys.org.

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