
Exploring Colorado's Hidden Gem: The West Elk Wilderness Race
From Becoming Ultra by Athlete On Fire
June 9, 2026 · 38 min
About this episode
The episode features an exploration of the West Elk Wilderness Race with race director Ben Graves, highlighting the event's community impact and scenic beauty.
Join us as we explore the scenic West Elk Wilderness with race director Ben Graves. Discover the race details, the stunning landscape of Paonia, Colorado, and how this event supports local community programs and outdoor education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Graves and Paonia 02:53 Ben's Journey: From Teacher to Race Director 09:39 The West Elk Challenge: A Community Fundraiser 14:16 Exploring Mount Lamborn and the West Elk Wilderness 16:47 The Allure of Fall in Colorado's High Country 18:15 Exploring the West Elks and Community Engagement 19:44 Marathon Insights: Elevation and Terrain 22:18 Race Day Experiences and Weather Challenges 25:09 Race Registration and Community Involvement 28:31 Post-Race Dining and Local Cuisine 30:47 Personal Running Adventures and Reflections Resources West Elk Challenge Race Website Ben Graves on Instagram Colorado Parks and Wildlife
People in this episode
Host: Athlete On Fire
Guest: Ben Graves
Topics covered
- West Elk Wilderness Race
- community engagement
- outdoor education
- running
- Colorado landscapes
Keywords
- West Elk Wilderness
- Ben Graves
- Paonia
- community programs
- running race
- outdoor education
- Colorado
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Places: Paonia, Colorado, West Elk Wilderness, Mount Lamborn
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