"In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts." — HDT, Walden
Countdown to Race Day
Races
8-Mile
242 spots left. Registration Opens October 1, 2026 at 12:00am MDT
16-Mile
242 spots left. Registration Opens October 1, 2026 at 12:00am MDT
50k
242 spots left. Registration Opens October 1, 2026 at 12:00am MDT
Event Description
The Human Potential Running Series Presents:
The Sawmill Trail Runs @ Staunton State Park
The Sawmill Trail Runs first started as a “Fat Ass” event at White Ranch Open Space in Golden, CO, in December 2013. It was incorporated into an official trail race in December 2017. In 2021, the event was moved to its current home at Staunton State Park in Pine, CO, featuring 50k, 16-Mile, and 8-Mile distance options.
Staunton State Park is a gem within Colorado’s State Park system. From high grassy meadows at 8,100 feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, Staunton State Park’s varied geology, soils, water features, and climate support rare and unexpected plant communities and a rich diversity of wildlife and provide a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities. The park is located approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver, north of US Highway 285 and about six miles west of Conifer in Pine, CO.
Special Event Notes: Traction devices such as micro-spikes are welcome should conditions permit. Snowshoes will also be permitted in the event of snow depths exceeding 6″. No other flotation devices will be approved. In the event of deep snow and treacherous conditions on the 50k’s first loop, the loop will be closed, and we’ll ask 50k runners to endure the 16-Mile course twice consecutively.
WEATHER: It’s December in Colorado and the weather, as always, is incredibly unpredictable. There have been years when temps have soared into the low 60s, frigid years with below-zero temps at the start, years with dry trails and no trace of winter, and years when a foot of snow has fallen during the event. It is our every intention to host this event regardless of the varied weather and trail conditions. We must note that the health and safety of all runners and volunteers, as well as maintaining the integrity of the park’s trails, is paramount. If conditions necessitate cancellation, our full refund and credit policies will remain in effect.
**ALL RACE INFO ON OUR WEBSITE**
We ask that you please visit our official website for the most up-to-date information about this event, as well as information about who we are and what we're about, HPRS policies, FAQ, and more. Most of the questions you may have can be answered on our website.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://humanpotentialrunning.com/sangre-de-cristo/.
HPRS POLICIES
By registering for one of our races, you agree to accept the terms of and abide by all HPRS policies, including but not limited to our Code of Conduct, Refund/Credit/Deferral/Transfer policies, our Cancellation Policies, our Race Rules, our Anti-discrimination Policies, and any other logistics or arrangements you must adhere to. Click the links below to get more information about any of this, or to discuss things further, please email us at info@HumanPotentialRunning.com
To view our complete listing of HPRS Race Policies, please click here: https://humanpotentialrunning.com/race-policies/
To view our Anti-Discrimination Policies, please click here: https://humanpotentialrunning.com/anti-discrimination/
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Staunton State Park
12102 S Elk Creek Rd
Pine, CO 80470 US
View Location on Map
We have strict parking restrictions for the event that all runners must adhere to as a condition of our permits with the land manager. Please do not show up at the event site on race day; follow all parking protocols communicated prior to the event.
