The Up For Air Series is a growing collection of endurance events created to amplify informed dialogue and empower individuals and organizations actively working on air quality solutions. Proceeds from Up For Air events are directed at carefully selected and vetted non-profit groups who demonstrate high value influence strategies and efforts in the battle for better air. The race platform is used to expose participants and the general public to science-based material about the importance of healthy air. All events are conducted with a minimal footprint philosophy.

Running Up For Air-Staunton is the Colorado edition of the Running Up for Air Series: a 3, 6, 12, or 24-hour winter endurance challenge that takes place at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colorado.  Now in its 6th year, Running Up for Air Staunton was launched in 2017 to raise money in support of the fight for improved air quality for those who live along the front range of Colorado - extending from Ft. Collins to Pueblo.  The race concept is pretty simple:  participants run a 7.1 mile marked trail loop from the start at the Lazy V parking lot as many times as possible in the allotted time. Each lap is 7.1 miles, give or take, and offers just over 1600' of gain, and conditions can be tricky in the winter months - think snow and ice! The time of year - February - is intentional as it coincides with the latter part of the winter inversion "season" here in Colorado. Given the time of year the route is inevitably almost entirely snow covered and can easily involve harsh winter mountain conditions.

RUFA-Staunton is scheduled for February 23-24, 2024. Back again this year is the option to do a team for the 24-hour and 12-hour events.  In the 24-hour, teams can be 2 or 4 person, and in the 12-hour teams can be 2-person.  All runners are expected to become fundraisers to support the good work of our selected nonprofit partners: Protect Our Winters and Conservation Colorado Education Fund, chosen for their hard work improving our air quality and preserving and protecting our natural environment.  

Wanna run for free: If you raise 10X your registration fee, you will be refunded what you paid to run the race!