In the Spotlight: PPM Non-Profit Partners

​The Pikes Peak Region is loaded with miles of mountain trail running opportunities. Not only is there the 13 miles of Barr Trail, Pikes Peak's beautiful, winding, technical and oftentimes grueling course of the Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of miles of amazing trails in the surrounding area. Locals and visitors alike hike, run, and bike these trails year round. With the support of local non-profits and volunteers, trails are built, maintained and preserved for the thousands of people who enjoy them each day. Along with these trail organizations, there are also the folks that are dedicated to the search and rescue efforts when things don't go as planned for trail users. Pikes Peak Marathon is honored to spotlight our non-profit partners that support the many trail systems and the people who use them. We are also proud to give back to these organizations. Between runner donations and organization profits, Pikes Peak Marathon can give back thousands of dollars each year to support these great organizations. To learn more about these non-profits and how you can donate, we've provided summaries and links for each of our partners below:

​El Paso County Search and Rescue -  A mountain search and rescue unit dedicated to saving lives through search, rescue, and mountain safety education.
We are non-paid professionals. There is never a charge for us to find or rescue people in need.

The team is composed entirely of volunteers and is available upon request to help mountain search and rescue problems anywhere in Colorado under the authority of the local county sheriff or in other states and countries under local authority.

The team is also available to provide information and lectures on mountain safety to interested individuals and groups. Our team prides itself on its many years of humanitarian service and reputation for capability and safety.
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In addition to training extensively in mountaineering skills and search and rescue techniques, members work diligently to improve their emergency medical capability. Most members are certified as Emergency Medical Responders, many are Emergency Medical Technicians, and a few are working paramedics or physicians.

Rocky Mountain Field Institute - An organization of stewards and guardians, passionate about caring for the public land we all love and engaging our community to protect it.

The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in Southern Colorado. RMFI is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecological health of our land and water resources by completing projects focused on watershed restoration, forest health, and creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. By prioritizing the involvement of community volunteers and youth, RMFI envisions a world where our work fosters vibrant and healthy natural systems that are respected and cared for by the public.

Trails and Open Space Coalition - Committed to preserving open spaces and parks, as well as creating a network of trails, bikeways, and greenways for the Pikes Peak Region. We have a small staff and are governed by a board of directors. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) receives NO government funds of any kind. Most of our support comes from individual contributions and people who care about our parks and trails. A smaller part of our revenue comes from grants and fundraising events.

We work cooperatively with local and regional governments, community organizations, businesses, families and individuals who share the vision of an interconnected network of trails, greenways and open space. We advocate, educate, build connections with other groups, fund projects, and create and support volunteer projects.

Barr Camp - The highest hiking cabin in the United States at 10,200 feet.

Barr Camp hosts day-hikers year round. Overnight guests still stay in cabins, shelters and tents, with the summer months busy with visitors from all around the world. An average of 18,000 trail users visit the camp annually and each year about 2,400 guests spend the night.

Palmer Land Conservancy - Protecting where we live and play.

We believe southern Colorado's lands are essential to our identity, economy and quality of life. Since 1977, Palmer Land Conservancy has worked with individuals, private and public partners, and various communities to protect land forever including 20 of your favorite public parks and open spaces, important working farms and ranches, and iconic scenic views. We passionately promote the conservation and enjoyment of our region’s most important natural assets that define why we love Colorado: its natural beauty, locally grown food, and outdoor recreation.
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