Primate Quest: The streets of Denver become planet of the apes during the annual Gorilla Run. 

The notorious cruiser bike rides in Boulder and Denver always call for a costume—the gaudier the better. But come the spooky season, the Front Range offers many more opportunities to get sweaty in costume—preferably your Halloween costume. Or in the case of the Denver Gorilla Run, a full gorilla suit. So round up your most outrageous attire, make sure you can run in it, and read on for our favorite events.

BOULDER CRUISER RIDE
Thursdays • Boulder
It’s like Halloween on bikes every Thursday night in Boulder thanks to a costumed cruiser ride that attracts hundreds. Not only are the riders decked out, but also their rides – beads, lights, tassels and bells are the standard – on every type of bike from vintage 1950s Schwinn’s, to giant tricycles. The costume theme changes every week, check the website for details.
cruiserbikeride.org

DEVIL DASH
Oct 8 • Lyons
Costumes aren’t required at this “hellish” 5k-adventure race featuring obstacles inspired by the seven deadly sins including cargo nets, crawling through mud pits and darting through fire, but they are highly encouraged. The promoter also recommends wearing a costume that you don’t mind “getting muddy and bloody.”
devildash.com

SCREAM SCRAM RUN
October 21• Denver
This Friday night 5k-run/walk around Wash Park caters to witches, ghouls and ghosts. It’s a fundraiser for the Denver Metro Girls and Boys Club, so consider signing up as a “scream team” with your friends or family. If you’re not in costume, don’t bother trying to hit up the Trick or Treat Street bonanza near the finish line, you big scrooge.
bgcmd.org

DENVER GORILLA RUN
October 29 • Denver
You can tackle this 3.5-mile course through the heart of Denver by foot, bike, rollerblade, skateboard or even unicycle –so long as you’re outfitted in a full gorilla suit. You get to keep the costume, which is included in your $99.95 entry fee. Put it on and chase your dog around the neighborhood. See if anyone notices.
denvergorillarun.com

HALOWEEN 5K
October 29 • Boulder
For the second year, the CSU Triathlon Team is hosting a costumed-5K at the CU Oval just in time for Halloween. If the weather is warm, expect to see some of Colorado’s finest physiques scantily clad in costumes that would make your grandmother cringe. If it’s cold, well, at least you got a good workout in before mass candy consumption.
csutri.com

Ranging from WTF to good, clean (well, not always) fun, these races are a refreshing reminder that thou shall not take one’s self too seriously. Balance out your über-competitive road bike racing, ironman training, and ultra running with one of these bad boys. Once you’ve tasted a mouthful of mud, you may never go back.

Tough Mudder
June 25-26 • Beaver Creek
Only 78% of participants were able to finish this race last year. On the 8-mile course, you’ll encounter 23 obstacles more akin to torture, including one that forces you to run through dangling live wires issuing a 10,000-volt shock. Finishers get certificates for free Tough Mudder tattoos, and the race offers complimentary head shaves in your choice of mullet or mowhawk.

Undy 5000
June 25 • Denver
No crawling on your belly through mud or sprinting across kerosene-soaked straw set ablaze, just locals running around in their underwear. The 5k course is described as “family-friendly,” which may seem counter-intuitive, but the whole point of showing up in your skivvies is to raise awareness for colon cancer, not to scare people. Save that for the Big Wheel Rally.

Big Wheel Rally
July 9 • Boulder
There’s nothing quite like the sound of plastic on pavement as grown men and women pedal furiously down the cobblestone walkways of the Pearl Street mall, hovering only inches above the ground, clutching five pounds of flexing child’s toy between their thighs.

Get behind the mule! Photo: Judy Fithian

Urban Dare Adventure Race
July 16 • denver
Brains and brawn collide in an urban adventure that is part photo hunt, part trivia and part physical exertion. Done in teams of two, the race takes participants to checkpoints around Lodo to complete dares ranging from scaling a climbing wall, to hitting a bulls-eye, to eating something (no bugs, we promise).

New Belgium Urban Assault Ride
July 17-24 • Fort Collins/Denver
The biggest bike scavenger hunt in the nation has two Colorado locations this year. Whether you choose Fort Collins, or Denver, or both, you’ll use city bike trails to reach checkpoints that force you off the bike and into an obstacle (water is fair game!). Expect about 25 miles total in the saddle and a crap ton of beer at the after party.

Silly Pig 5k Mud Run
August 6 • Aurora
This 5k course is like a training ground for the bigger, badder Muddy Buddy in Boulder the following weekend. Held at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, you’ll crawl through tunnels, splash through mud pits, negotiate tire obstacles, scale walls, and climb on cargo nets. Costumes encouraged.

Columbia Muddy Buddy Boulder
August 14 • Boulder
In this sell-out race held at the Boulder Reservoir, teams of two alternate running and mountain biking on a six-mile trail speckled with five obstacles designed to challenge strength, agility, and balance. The finale is a 50-foot-long mud pit that both buddies crawl through to reach the finish, thus bonding for life.

Warrior Dash
August 20-21 • Copper Mountain
This 3.15-mile course features 11 obstacles “from hell,” but the race is actually more benign than it sounds. Well, excluding the part where you crawl under barbed wire through the mud. Most of the race requires speed and finesse, like the scramble through the junkyard.

Merrill Oyster Urban Adventure Race
August 27 • Denver
The Oyster, as in Rocky Mountain Oyster, was born in Denver in 2003 and has since spread to 10 other cities across the US. Participants follow clues by foot or by bike that lead them to obstacles like a giant soapy slip n slide. Despite the name, the race requires more brains than balls, and a healthy dose of endurance.

Hauling Ass

You’d almost think this was a joke, until you realized that burro racing has been going on in Colorado for 62 years, thanks to the work of the Western Pack Burro Association. A throwback to the state’s 19th century miners, who kept mules to carry their tools, burro racing involves running while leading a donkey laden with 33 pounds. This year there are five burro races in five mountain towns, each including a festival celebrating the town’s history. The “Triple Crown” races are in Fairplay, Leadville and Buena Vista, with courses up to 29 miles in length. We’re particularly fond of Fairplay’s “First Ass up the Pass” $200 prize. The other two races are in Georgetown and Idaho Springs, and more appropriate for beginners at 6-8 miles. Remember, you can carry your donkey, but it can’t carry you. Failure to control your animal, as well as the use of needles, electric prods, narcotics, clubs or whips results in disqualification. For more information, and to sign a petition to make burro racing Colorado’s official sport, go to packburroracing.com

In the late spring and summer, Colorado serves up some of the most breathtakingly beautiful bike tours in the country, literally, with some at 10,000-feet and higher. Since most of these gems sell out way in advance, consider this list a courtesy reminder. You don’t want to be stuck scavenging for a slot on Craigslist at the last minute.

Rockin’ Out: Sign up for Ride the Rockies and tour the state. Photo: Classic Vision Photography.

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
May 28 • Durango
Now in it’s 40th year, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic pits 1,300 cyclists against a coal-powered giant that’s been chugging the tracks from Durango to Silverton since 1881. In order to beat the train, riders need to cover 50 miles through two mountain passes in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes.
ironhorsebicycleclassic.com

Ride the Rockies
June 11-18 • Grand Junction to Salida
Last year, over 4,000 applicants vied for 2,000 spots in this weeklong bike tour, now in it’s 25th year. The route changes annually, with 532 miles planned for 2011, ascending four mountain passes, traveling the Molas Divide and passing two natural wonders: the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa.
ridetherockies.com

Denver Century Ride
June 12 • Denver
In its second year, this newbie is destined to become a classic. Starting and ending
at Invesco Field, the ride follows city streets, highways and bike paths. But that doesn’t mean it’s gentrified—expect at least 4,000 feet in elevation gain, including the 25-minute balls-to-the-wall sprint up Lookout Mountain.
denvercenturyride.com

Bicycle Tour of Colorado
June 19-25 • Estes Park-Steamboat Springs-Frisco
Only 1,500 lucky cyclists get to partake in this 16-year-old tour, known for its well-stocked aid stations, grueling ascents and 50+ mph descents. The 2011 route includes some previously unexplored territory.
bicycletourcolorado.com

Triple Bypass
July 9-10 • Evergreen-Vail-Avon
As the name indicates, this race is not for the faint of heart, climbing three mountain passes in 120-lung busting miles. We’re not sure if anyone has died in the ride’s 22 years, but this year’s new “double” option, offering the regular TBP on Saturday and a reverse route on Sunday, definitely ups the probability.
teamevergreen.org/triple

Tour de Steamboat
July 19 • Steamboat Springs
Now in its 7th year, this century ride (originally a race in the late 70s) starts and ends in Steamboat giving riders glimpses of some of Northwest Colorado’s most spectacular scenery. This year, participants can opt for the standard 110-mile route, or one of two shorter courses instead. With only 500 riders, the event has a refreshingly chill vibe.
tourdesteamboat.com

Copper Triangle
August 6 • Copper Mountain-Leadville-Vail
It’s no Triple Bypass at “only” 78 miles, but the Copper Triangle still manages to hurt so good, cresting three 10,000+ foot mountain passes through three ski areas with a total elevation gain of nearly 6,000 feet. Limited to 3,000 riders. coppertriangle.com

August 22: Prologue — Colorado Springs
August 23: Stage 1 — Salida to Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
August 24: Stage 2 — Gunnison to Aspen
August 25: Stage 3 — Vail (Individual Time Trial)
August 26: Stage 4 — Avon to Steamboat Springs
August 27: Stage 5 — Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge
August 28: Stage 6 —Golden to Denver

Think January is the off-season for endurance sports? Think again. Rando racing requires busting your lungs before bombing down and snowshoeing makes trail running in sneakers feel like recovery. Here’s a handful of the most punishing events in both disciplines for your suffering pleasure.

RANDO

The Heathen Challenge
January 15 • Sunlight Mountain
Serving as the final selection race for the US Ski Mountaineering Team, the Heathen course has gotten even burlier for 2011, in both the Race and Rec categories. Expect more technical skinning, lots of kick turns, more transitions, and steeper skiing. The Race course features three full descents of The Heathen/Lower Defiance, which means that by the last run, the bumps and ruts in the trees at the bottom will hurt—bad.
ussma.org

Camp Ski Mountaineering Race
January 29 • Crested Butte
This was known for being Colorado’s oldest and one of it’s most demanding rando races, courtesy of significant singletrack and switchbacks, but CAMP upped the ante last year with the addition of more vertical. Then fresh snow conditions made for an off-piste untracked final descent. Decide for yourself if this sounds like your sweetest dream or most horrific nightmare. ussma.org

Race the Divide
February 13 • Monarch Mountain
To race this course, you’re required to carry a beacon/shovel/probe and wear a helmet. What more do we need to say? We do have one piece of advice for the ladies. If you’re looking to win a randonee ski race, just show up. Only one defiant diva finished the course in the Recreation category last year. ussma.org

SNOWSHOE

Tennessee Pass Cookhouse Colorado State Snowshoe Championships
January 15 • Ski Cooper
Snowshoe racers are true sadomasochists, being both the initiators and the recipients of the self-flogging. Compare last year’s state championship numbers (34 men, 24 women) with the thousands competing in warm-weather sufferfests like triathlons, and you’ll truly appreciate the twisted company you keep. pedalpowerbike.com

The Screamin’ Snowman Snowshoe Race
February TBD • Eldora
The only snowshoe race on the Front Range lets you choose from a 5K or 10K course, both a mixture of groomed trails, packed singletrack and fresh powder. The grisly event is named after a legend contending that miners heard the shrieks of evil snow creatures that lived in the forests above Eldora. Racers have yet to encounter the beasts, but claim that the steepest sections of the course have made them wish they had. racingunderground.com

Love Me Tender Race
February 12 • Frisco
Don’t let the name fool you; this 10K is more akin to hate, or at least tough love, with a unique rolling course through the Iron Springs Open Space that makes for the fastest, most adventurous snowshoe race in Colorado. Held at Summit High, in conjunction with the Colorado High School Snowshoe State Championships, the race is a qualifier for Nationals. snowshoeracing.com

Jeremy Wright Snowshoe Championship
March 6 • Beaver Creek
A tribute to Jeremy Wright, a snowshoer killed in Afghanistan in 2005, this race draws a fair amount of first-timers, thanks to abundant groomed sections and incredible views to distract from the agony. Newbies be forewarned: the 5K is actually closer to 3.5 miles and you’ll gain close to 1,000 feet in elevation. And stay away from the 10K  altogether. It’s painful, no matter how pretty it looks. beavercreek.com

Kid’s Climbing College in Ouray
January 8 & 9: (during the Ice Fest) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
February 12: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
It’s the least you’ll ever pay for your child’s college education: Ouray Ice Park in conjunction with San Juan Mountain Guides will be hosting three separate days of introductory climbing for kids 8 to 17 years old. The free program will be held at the ice park’s Kids’ Wall located on County Road 280 in Ouray. All equipment is provided and prizes are awarded to every participant. Kids should come dressed in a warm jacket, pants, gloves and hat. There will be heated tents for hanging out, hot cocoa and a bonfire. Preregister for any of the dates at ourayclimbing.com or by calling 970.325.4925. Walk-ons also welcome.

‘Tis the season to turkey-trot and jingle-bell jaunt. Not a runner? Not a problem. These Front Range events are among the most welcoming in the state, encouraging newbies, families and even walkers.

Panicking Poultry 5K
November 14 Boulder
If you have to ask why the poultry are panicking, you’re clearly a vegetarian, but don’t worry, this out-and-back course at the Boulder Reservoir doesn’t discriminate against Tofurkey consumers. Or children. The race added a kid’s 1-miler this year. The mostly dirt trail along the water is flat, except for a short rise at the beginning, which is just one more reason to be thankful come Thanksgiving morn.
panickingpoultry5k.com

Gobble Wobble
November 20 Denver
Wobble your way around the back nine for 5K at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, and bring the kids. Strollers are welcome (but dogs are not). And costumes are preferred, with a prize for the most creative. Apres race activities for the kiddos include a bounce house, face painting, child safety ID kits and a visit from the local fire department. Bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Bank of the Rockies.
hallucinationsports.com

Fitness 5K Turkey Trot
November 25 Arvada
Join the personal trainers at Arvada Fitness as they race through old town Arvada, and raise money for the Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Only in it’s second year, the race saw less than 100 participants last Thanksgiving, which means it’s still small enough to relax and have fun. Or show up like a superfreak and crush the first place times from last year (17:27 for men,  20:03 for women).
arvada-fitness.com

Anthem Turkey Day 5K/10K
November 25 Broomfield
The race that starts at the Parkside Community Center has literally taken off, with 500 participants its first year and 850 it’s second. For year three, Redline Races has added a 10K. Unique prize categories, a family division and a separate kid’s race have made the run so popular, as well as a blazing fast 5K course, that some swear can’t possibly be 3.1 miles.

Turkey Rock Trot
November 25 Castle Rock
Beginning at the Douglas Country Event Center, most of this 5K course follows the Seller’s Gulch Trail. Ideal for runners, walkers, trotters and even toddlers, the race features a staggered start, sending the runners off first, then families and walkers. Proceeds benefit the Douglas Elbert Task Force and donations of non-perishable food items are encouraged. Children under 12 race for free.
rocktrot.com

Briargate YMCA/Kaiser Permanente Turkey Trot 5K
November 25 Colorado Springs
For 13 years, this turkey trot run/walk has helped raised money to support the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s Annual Partner’s Campaign, with all funds going toward providing opportunities for lower income families to participate in programs and activities that help build strong communities. Nearly 1,000 trotters participated in the 5K last year, and the free kids’ 1k that takes place 45 minutes before.
ppymca.org

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
December 12 Denver
Whether you walk or run, it’s critical that you jingle—or as the Arthritis Foundation likes to say, “be there with bells on.” At press date, Denver-area teams and individuals have already pledged $5,400 toward this 5K event, wherein thousands nationwide hit the pavement, pathways and parks to fight arthritis, America’s most common form of disability.
jinglebellrundenver.kintera.org

Resolution 5K
December 31 Denver
It’s one thing to make a resolution, quite another to run it at 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. But that’s exactly what Denver’s most admirable have been doing for the past 26 years. Participants at this year’s Wash Park event are treated to an after party sponsored by Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s, a prize raffle and a long-sleeve t-shirt. No dogs, because duh, it’s dark, and no one wants to bring in the new year tripping… at least not over a leash.
emgcolorado.com •

What better way to take in the reds, yellows and oranges of the Rocky Mountain’s fall foliage than a trail run in a mountain town? We’ve compiled a list of the biggest, baddest sky runs in the state, some with terrain steep enough to force you to stop and peep at those leaves.

Imogene Pass Run
September 11 • Ouray
Rick Trujillo was the first person to run the 17.1 miles from Ouray to Telluride in 1974. (He did it as a training run for the Pike’s Peak Marathon.) Locals liked the idea so much they made it an annual event. Six participants competed in that first Imogene Pass Run. Today, over 1,500 people run the grueling race, which sells out every year despite notoriously squirrely weather conditions.
imogenerun.com

La Sportiva Evergold 10K Trail Run
September 12 • Vail
New for this year, the course takes runners along the lower portions of the Vail Trail and through Vail Mountain’s trail system, negotiating singletrack and Forest Service roads with an average grade of 11 percent. Gatorade stations at miles 2 and 4 ensure no one keels over during the 1,900 feet of elevation gain in six miles.
vailrec.com

Feed The Heathen
September 18 • Glenwood Springs
One of the steepest ski runs in the state, Sunlight Mountain’s The Heathen falls beneath your feet at a breathtaking 52 degrees. Which is precisely why the Sunlight Winter Sports Club decided that running up it would make for a good (read: lung busting) fall fundraiser. The 5K course starts on a snowmobile catwalk, then charges straight up the mountain … and back down. You’ll do that loop twice, either by yourself or with a relay teammate.
bit.ly/9hW1WV

Run Rabbit Run
September 18 • Steamboat
A 50-mile ultra through the mountains of Routt National Forest, Run Rabbit Run is best approaced more like the tortoise than the hare. Starting in the ski area at nearly 7,000 feet, the course contains 9,000 feet of climbing in total, including a jaunt across the Continental Divide and a 10,568-foot top-out on Mount Werner. Slow and steady.
steamboat50.com

MountainAir Marathon
September 19 • Gunnison
Yeah, you’re running a marathon from Crested Butte to Gunnison, but it’s easier than it sounds because the course descends slightly along most of the route. Starting at 8,800 feet in Skyland, a mile south of Crested Butte, runners follow scenic Hwy 135 along the East River before turning off onto a country road into Gunnison, ending at the Western State College campus at 7,700 feet.
runmontainairmarathon.com

Active Tourists: The Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon is our favorite way to see the foliage.

Vasque Golden Leaf Half Marathon 2010
September 25 • Aspen
All hail the most beautiful foot race in the Rockies. Now in it’s 33rd year, the 13.3-mile course winds through trails and roads from Snowmass Village to Aspen. Traversing hilly mountain meadows, colorful aspen forests and fragrant fields of sage, the 1,000 blissed-out runners barely feel the burn of racing at 9,000 feet.
utemountaineer.com/GoldenLeafdefault.html

Crested Butte Fall Color Classic
September 26 • Crested Butte
New this year, this half marathon heads from Kebler Pass down to Ohio Pass, offering sprawling views of the Ohio Creek Valley in full fall color. Run entirely on dirt trails and roads, the race is mostly downhill with a couple of cattle guard crossings. Keep an eye out for overzealous spectators, a.k.a. cows, on the course.
cbfallcolorclassic.com

Rim To Rim Royal Gorge Run
October 2 • Canon City
Another inaugural event (anyone picking up on the sky running trend yet?), Rim to Rim offers runners a choice of either a 5K or 10K out and back through the rolling hills on the northeast side of Royal Gorge Park. The course traverses a suspension bridge, built in 1929, that’s 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River.
rimtorim.net

Lair O’ the Bear Trail Race
October 9 • Evergreen
Fifteen miles west of Denver, Evergreen is at a reasonable enough elevation (7,220 feet) for sky-running neophytes. The 10-mile out and back course begins in the Lair O’ the Bear parking lot, and traverses the relatively new Bear Creek Trail. Looking for something a little more sissified, err family oriented? There is also a two-mile fun run/walk the same day.
evergreenrecreation.com

If you subscribe to the old adage that anything worth doing is worth over doing, you’ll agree with us that multisport events are always better than those based on just one sport. Why limit yourself to only the bike when you can sandwich your ride in between a swim and a run? Colorado has become the epicenter of multisport in recent years, with multiple events every weekend in the summer, so we’ve taken the liberty of paring them down to the best organized, most fun and most memorable.

The Trans Rockies: fast…

Boulder Peak Triathlon
July 11 • Boulder
Epic scenery abounds at this Olympic distance tri that starts and ends at the Boulder Reservoir. Named after the sick climb up Olde Stage Hill on the bike portion, the Peak laughs in the face of fast, flat bike splits. Olde Stage is not the type of terrain you can crush with aero bars and an 11-23 cassette. Which makes it all the more irresistible to try.
bouldertriseries.com

Tri-It-High Triathlon/Duathlon
July 18 • Leadville
Held at 10,200 feet, this is the highest Sprint distance multisport event in the country. Don’t let the fact that it’s a pool swim deter you, as there is nothing amateurish about this race — from the latest chip-timing technology to hefty swag bags to breathtaking (literally) bike and run courses at the base of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.
lakecountyco.com/recreation/node/183

My Way or the Tri Way
July 24 • Aurora
This race goes way outside the multisport box by letting you choose two or three disciplines, and completing them in any order. The distances are short, similar to a Sprint, which makes this a popular event for newbies, as well as control freaks. The start goes off without a hitch, even though the swimmers, cyclists and runners all go at the same time. Now that’s what we call well-organized chaos.
racingunderground.com/mywaytriway

… wet …

Tri for the Cure
August 1 • Aurora
Now in it’s seventh year in Denver, the Tri for the Cure is responsible for introducing more women to multisport racing than any other event in the country. Done as a Sprint distance at the Cherry Creek State Park, this is a women’s only triathlon benefitting the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Don’t worry guys, you can always volunteer.
triforthecure-denver.com

Ironman 70.3 Boulder
August 8 • Boulder
Yes, Ironman has finally come to the Rocky Mountain region. The 70.3 course (commonly referred to as a half Ironman distance) was sold to Ironman by local promoters Barry and Jodee Siff of 5430 Sports last year. Expect the same fantastic course at the Boulder Reservoir, including a screaming fast St. Vrain bike loop, but with a bit more pomp and circumstance.
ironmanboulder.com

Oyster Urban Adventure Race
August 21 • Denver
Be ready to solve clues, run, bike, climb, jump, shoot, swim and paddle. Last year’s race was pretty heavy on the running, with two biking portions, and a whole lot of surprises including running 14-flights of stairs, charging down a slip n slide, lugging 5-gallon water jugs across a parking lot, and identifying Deschutes Brewery beers (fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, that was the last task).
oysterracingseries.com

… romantic? Try your luck.

Steamboat Springs Triathlon
August 29 • Steamboat Springs
We’re always on the lookout for excuses to head to Steamboat for long weekends in the summer, and this tri makes it a no-brainer. Held at Lake Catamount, the course is blindingly beautiful. The distance isn’t quite long enough to be Olympic, but not quite short enough to be a Sprint, which feels like the perfect length for late summer.
steamboattriathlon.com
GORE-TEX TRANSROCKIES RUN
August 22-27
The TransRockies Run isn’t multisport, but it is multiday, and such a quintessential Colorado event, that we couldn’t let this Calendar go to print without mentioning it. Imagine running in pairs from Buena Vista to Leadville to Beaver Creek, through the heart of the White River and San Isabel National Forests, covering 113 miles in six days in a point-to-point format. Once you’ve reached the stopping point for the day, its time to kick back in the “tent city” that’s torn down and rebuilt daily by the event staff. Here you’ll find your belongings and sleeping gear, hot showers, hearty food and drink, and some of the coolest people you’ve ever met.
transrockies.com

It’s no surprise that the Centennial State claims a kickin’ road-race scene. But where do you fit in? It’s simple. Pick a race type that suits your cycling skills (distance = road race; cornering and pack riding = criterium; climbing = hill climb; master of the universe = omnium), and read below.

Wheels of Thunder Criterium
May 8 • Littleton
Wheels of Thunder has been put on by a Christian cycling club for years. And while the volunteers may be angels, don’t expect a cushy course. Sure, we like the sweeping turns, but two fairly significant uphill segments in the 1.6 mile loop, make for some grunting. Overall though, a heavenly choice for your first crit.
americancycling.org

Suck It, Alpe d’Huez! Ride the Rockies takes riders up four passes over 9,000 feet.

Sunshine Hill Climb
May 15 • Boulder
This infamous hill climb finishes 9.2 miles up Sunshine Canyon. The last three miles are dirt, hard packed enough to be safe for your skinny tires. If you’ve never climbed Sunshine, don’t make this your first time, as there are some uber-steep sections where you might not be able to pedal fast enough to keep from falling over. Ditto if you’ve never ridden your road bike on dirt switchbacks.
americancycling.org

North Boulder Park Criterium
May 16 • Boulder
If you’re new, may we suggest watching or volunteering instead of racing? We’re just being respectful of the fact that this race sees more crashes on its .7-mile course than any other crit in Colorado. Blame it on the hairpin turns, or the freaky chicane on the backside of the course, or the squirrel who jumped in last year, this is one rough and tumble ride.
americancycling.org

Hugo Road Race
May 22 • Hugo
Long live long road races! It’s a bit of a haul to Hugo, but where else could you find 78 miles of empty, pristine road to race? Expect a little bit of wind out in the plains, which can turn gusty. The pack usually stays together until about 25 miles in, when some uphill terrain presents itself and the real fun starts.
cyclingevents.com

Morgul-Bismark Road Race
May 30 • Superior
The notorious 13-mile loop of the 1970’s and 80’s Red Zinger Classic and Coors International Classic is back. The loop has three climbs, the final being the gradual incline known as “the wall” which culminates in a 12 percent grade. The course was featured in the cycling film, American Flyers. So it’s only fitting that the race has been resurrected on the movie’s 25th anniversary.
superiormorgulclassic.com

Rocky Mountain Omnium
June 11-13 • Glenwood Springs
The Rocky Mountain omnium makes for a darn near-prefect summer weekend. You’ll start with a 20k time trial on Friday afternoon along the Roaring Fork River. Saturday’s criterium takes place in downtown Carbondale, and is fast and flat to make up for the rollers on the time trial course. Sunday’s 60-mile road race along the Colorado River encompasses every type of terrain, making it a true all-arounder’s course. rockymountainomnium.com

Niwot Criterium
June 20 • Niwot
A Front Range classic, this crit is known for being fast, flat, and technical. There are seven corners on the 1-mile course through historic downtown Niwot. Two are sharper than 90 degrees, which translates into a lot of breakaways and team tactics, making for an exciting race.
gsboulder.com/info-niwot.ph

Ride the Rockies
Spend a week riding the Rocky Mountains this summer with 2,000 of your closest friends. This year’s 25th anniversary Ride the Rockies course will take you from Grand Junction to Salida. Averaging 60-70 miles per day, you’ll ascend four of Colorado’s most scenic mountain passes (Red Mountain, Coal Bank, Wolf Creek and Poncha), cross Molas Divide, and experience two natural wonders (Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa). Unlike the other events in this issue’s calendar, Ride the Rockies is noncompetitive, except perhaps to see who acquires the least amount of saddle sores.
ridetherockies.com

Some are rejoicing that the snow is going away and warm weather is finally here. Some just can’t let winter go. But there’s sun and snow (and the occasional naked person) in the Colorado mountains in April, and you can celebrate spring fever in style at these farewells to the white stuff.

5th ANNUAL KAYAKS ON SNOW
April 3 • Monarch Mountain
It’s no secret that Coloradoans have an affinity for both skiing and kayaking. What’s unfortunate is that our penchant for putting the two sports together is less lauded. Monarch Mountain does it beautifully with a specially constructed “Boatercourse” on the Freeway run that sends kayakers down rollers, small jumps, berms and banked corners. Winner earns bragging rights and a new kayak. Not ready to commit? Spectating is free, the event comes equipped with an expo, and the entire race can be seen from the base-lodge deck while sipping sponsor New Belgium’s beer.
skimonarch.com

MASSIVE COMPETITION WEEKEND & IMPERIAL CHALLENGE
April 9-11 & APRIL 18 • Breckenridge
Breck treats us to an entire month of finale festivals starting April 1st. We’re particularly fond of the Massive Competition, held for three days on Peak 8. It includes a rail jam and a serious throw-down at the terrain park for both skiers and boarders. But our heart truly belongs to the Imperial Challenge on the 18th, which factors mountain biking into the mix. You’ll ride 6.2 miles from town across Peak 7 to Peak 8 then ascend 2,500 feet to the Imperial Bowl on the equipment of your choice (don’t pick the bike), before descending on skis or board.
gobrek.com

3rd ANNUAL SPLASHDOWN POND SKIMMING COMPETITION
April 11 • Steamboat
The Splashdown is not to be missed. Imagine an ice-cold pond at the base of the mountain. Now imagine our bravest (craziest?) skiers and riders attempting to cross it, airbone. The judging criteria is distance, of course, but more importantly, outfit creativity and crowd response. “Outfit creativity” means you need to wear something at the bare minimum (keep it clean, people)—at least until the evening, when the Bud Light Rocks the Boat free concert takes over the base area. Donavon Frankenreiter’s entrancing melodies and feel-good lyrics will erase any Splashdown foibles.
steamboat.com

Pond Skimming Stud: Big cahones limit the shrinkage factor at Vail’s end of season festivities.

SPRING BACK TO VAIL
April 12–18 • Vail
Speaking of the Splashdown, Vail puts on a weeklong spring festival extravaganza that concludes with what it calls “The World Pond Skimming Championships.” We can’t confirm that the competition is better than in Steamboat the weekend before, but we can say how much less the competitors are required to wear. We suggest a “when in Vail, do at the Vailans do” mentality. Street parties, on-snow events, and free concerts from national headliners all add to the festivities. Despite the debauchery, and our preference for such, Vail sealed the deal for us with three-for-the-price-of-two lodging deals.
springbacktovail.com

SUNSATION
April 17-18 • Copper Mountain
Woodward’s upcoming summer training camps almost make us wish for the end of outdoor ski season, so we can head indoors to learn new tricks. But before we’re ready to say goodbye to Copper, we need a healthy dose of Sunsation, the mountain’s season finale festival. This is spring skiing at it’s best, with ego snow, bright sun and free live music. Bring your sunscreen and an appetite for the “Red Bull 1976 Games” which will be in full effect closing weekend. Thye are a re-creation of the 1976 Olympic Games in every old school way you can imagine, from snowblade-cross to big air.
coppersunsation.com

COCA-COLA SPRING SPLASH
April 18 • Winter Park
Winter Park lays claim the oldest pond-skimming event—42 years to be exact. But the resort has revamped the rite of spring a bit. Athletes here start at noon on the Larry Sale trail, heading backward on an obstacle course meant to inspire the crowd. The course culminates with a pond launch to reach the finish line. The first three winners get cold hard cash, so it’s for more than guts and no glory. New for this year, any entrant who guesses his or her time within two seconds of completion will win a season pass. Stay for the free live music afterward.
skiwinterpark.com

What’s the best way to prove you rule the backcountry? Enter an uphill race and grind it out

2010 BEAVER CREEK SHOWSHOE ADVENTURE SERIES
February 7 & March 7 • Beaver Creek
Curious to see just how fast you can move in shoeshoes? Try the East-West 5K Quest, or the more competitive 10K, on February 7th. If you kill it, go for the title of North American Champion at the March 7th race. If you get killed, at least you have the after party. Jagerbombs ease all pain.
www.bcsnowshoe.com

RACE THE DIVIDE
February 20 • Monarch Mountain
AT used to be called randonee, monsieur! Get your Euro fix without leaving the Rocky Mountains with the Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup (COSMIC) series. Race No.3 features a recreation course with two climbs and descents, and a race route with four. Helmets are required. Hell, use your bike helmet if you have to.
www.ussma.org/race/cosmic/2010-02-19/race-divide

5TH ANNUAL TELEFEST
February 20 • Ski Cooper
Get more bang for your buck, er, race fee, with a morning rando-style race (one ascent) and an afternoon giant slalom (best of two runs). Then hit the top floor of the Ski Copper Lodge for the awards party featuring live music, prize drawings and bling for the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
www.skicooper.com/Colorado-Special-Events/Ski-Cooper-4th-Annual-Telefest-e1277-m2-y2009.html

TELEMARK WORLD CUP
February 21-23 • Steamboat Springs
February 25-28 • Keystone/Silverthorne
This year’s Telemark World Cup circuit includes France, Norway, Spain, Austria and Colorado. Watch our local team get home mountain advantage against competitors from Europe, Japan and North America. The first two days of the series are Classic races with Giant Slalom on the third and/or fourth.
www.ustsa.org

COLORADO ROMP TO STOMP
March 6 • Frisco
Family-friendly snowshoe fun at the Frisco Nordic Center benefits the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which hit $1 million in funds raised earlier this year. Rock the 3K Snowshoe Race in pink—preferably a fluorescent onesie circa 1982.
www.tubbsromptostomp.com/event/co

US SKI MOUNTAINEERING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
March 20 • Jackson Hole, WY
Six thousand feet of climbing in the Tetons, goodies from Patagonia, free beer at the after party and paparazzi. The one thing missing? Women. Last year’s race saw only a handful of ladies across three categories. Get out there, girl. You could be our next national champion.
www.jacksonrandoneerace.blogspot.com

THE FIVE PEAKS
April 10 • Breckenridge
North America’s longest ski mountaineering race demands that you compete in teams of two for safety. Teams will skin, climb, ski and traverse five ascents spanning10,000 feet of vertical in the Ten Mile Range behind Breck. We suggest you don’t choose this as your first race, which means you will, so at least check the required equipment list before you get there.
www.ussma.org/race/cosmic/2010-04-09/five-peaks

SAN JUANS RANDO
April 17 • San Juan Mountains
Don’t let its proximity to star-studded Telluride fool you, this is one gritty race—the first in North America to be held entirely in the backcountry. The race starts and finishes on the west side of Molas Pass, with a “below tree line” contingency course if avalanche danger is high.
www.ussma.org/race/cosmic/2010-04-16/san-juans-rando

MARMOT GRIND
April 24 • Arapahoe Basin
In true rando tradition, expect to run for your skis off the start line, clip in and immediately ascend. It’s like cyclocross on skis. The rec course caters to newbies, with only 2,000 feet of vertical, but the race category dishes it out with 4,500 vertical, including a drop into and skin out of the Montezuma Bowl.
www,ussma.org/race/cosmic/2010-04-23/marmot-grind

Skin Game: "Dudes, you're going the wrong way!"

FRESH FLICKS

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL
Banff, the famed 33-year-old international film competition featuring the world’s best footage on mountain subjects, comes to Colorado in February and March, with eight different locations along the Front Range and mountain towns. The choicest films from this year’s festival were determined in Banff, Alberta in November. From those, each tour location selects a custom mix for their local community. Too bad they’re not hosting one in Ned . . . that would be some blend.
www.banffcentre.ca

SWEETGRASS
Sweetgrass Productions believes that there is more to the mountain than fresh snow and big lines. Based in Colorado, the company films remote freeride lines—from snowsurf and noboard, to alpine and tele—to discover the story behind the landscape. Catch the premier of Signatures, their latest project, on Winter Park February 5th, and in Dillon on February 11th. If those dates don’t work and you’re up for some travel, Signatures is showing in Alaska during the month of March.
www.sweetgrass-productions.com

Yeah, we know . . . you rip, you shred, you schuss. But as you sip that yerba mate, consider this: Colorado is one of the greatest alpine playgrounds on earth, and chances are you haven’t done it all. Curious to try tele? Heli? We’ve got mountains of local experts just waiting to light a fire under your season with a mind-blowing, body-punishing camp or clinic.

Slide of the Valkyries: Get your skate on at Steamboat's Nordic Camp.

BUMPS FOR BOOMERS
Aspen • December 7th and onward
Bumps for Boomers founder 63-year-old Joe Nevin wants you to know that it’s never too late to push your limits. His three- or four-day programs, designed to make a competent mogul skier out of your decrepit ass, run every Monday to Wednesday/Thursday in Aspen, starting December 7th. Using his “Think Different” approach, Nevin guarantees you’ll be tackling terrain previously outside your capabilities in just a few short days. $897 for three days; $1,196 for four. bumpsforboomers.com

BEGINNER SNOWKITING
Frisco • December through March
Letting a giant kite drag you at Mach 10 across the frozen tundra (or in this case, Lake Dillon), sounds like an excellent idea to us. Add in some freestyle moves and well, you had us at Mach 10. Play it safe with one of Boulder Outdoor Center’s four-hour courses starting in December. They’ll provide a kite and harness, you show up with your board or skis, and hope mother nature dishes up winds of an least 5 m.p.h. $249 for four hours of instruction, includes kite and harness rental. surfcolorado.com

HELI-SKI EXCURSION
Telluride • December through March
You don’t have to go to Canada to experience extreme off-piste skiing. Telluride Helitrax, flying freaks like you deep into the San Juans since 1982, is one of the oldest helicopter ski companies in the U.S., and it flies at the highest elevations in North America. Co-founder Brian Miller boasts some of the best guides in the biz—the type who lead Everest ascents, have worked as avalanche forecasters and are sponsored by The North Face. $999 for a full day, includes six runs. helitrax.com

7th ANNUAL STEAMBOAT NORDIC CAMP
Steamboat • December 11-13
Thinking of racing the Eldora Nighthawks Series this season? Get your rear in gear with a bootcamp in Steamboat Springs. Participants are broken into groups based on ability, with no more than six skiers per coach. Choose Classic, or Skate, or both. Fischer, Salomon, Swix, Atomic, Rossignol, Toko and Craft will be on site with 2009/2010 demo equipment (skis, boots, poles), waxes and clothing so you can pass for a pro. $160 for two days, includes lunch. thenordiclink.com

SKI JORING CLINIC
Tabernash • January 3
What makes skiing even more fun? When your best friend gets in the mix. Using harnesses to keep you and your dog connected, the Scandinavian sport of skijoring creates a six-legged snow-skimming powerhouse. Any athletic or energetic dog with a penchant for pulling will do, since the name of the game is speed. Learn to work together at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, with more than 100K of nordic trails, just minutes from Winter Park. $20 for two hours of instruction and equipment rental. devilsthumbranch.com

FREE YOUR HEEL
Loveland • January 9 & 24
Just because everyone is hot to buy new AT gear doesn’t mean the tele turn is dead. Is it harder than alpine. Yes? Is it also more enlightened? Hell yes. Join the ranks of the chosen with a one-day clinic at Loveland, land of telemark peace and goodness, and some sidecountry shots perfect for your first tele tour. $85 for 2.5 hours of instruction and a full day, all-mountain pass. skiloveland.com

BACKCOUNTRY SKI CLINIC
Boulder • Starts January 27th
If you’re already into tele or AT, and want to take it into the backcountry, you need to get serious about safety skills and winter navigation. The Boulder Group of the Colorado Mountain Club offers a comprehensive series featuring three lectures and three fieldtrips. If that sounds like too much work, just remind yourself what a blast you’ll have on all those hut trips you’ll now be qualified to go on. $75, must become a member to partake. cmcboulder.org

WOMEN’S QUEST SKATE SKI RETREAT
Winter Park • January 27-31
This retreat is pure indulgence for the ladies—four days of snow sports, yoga and spa—at Snow Mountain Ranch just outside Winter Park. Not only will you come away a stronger Nordic skier, but allegedly, more inspired and balanced. NON-SUBTLE HINT FOR MY HUSBAND: This would make a fab Christmas present. $1,100. womensquest.com

CO-ED ICE CLIMBING CLINIC
Ouray • February 1-4
Chicks with Picks is usually a women’s only affair. But this one’s a “mixer” clinic, meaning both chicks and Dicks are welcome. (That’s right guys; it’s time to climb like a girl.) You’ll spend four nights and three climbing days in the San Juan Mountains at the Ouray Ice Park. Not ready to invest in your own gear? No problem, the Chicks have demo gear you can use, which is sort of like cross-dressing. $1,076 for double occupancy, $1,286 single room. chickswithpicks.net

Boulder, November 12-14th, 2009

Celebrating its fifth year, this growing film festival  offers a broad interpretaiton of adventure. Sure, you will see the usual climbing expeditons, BASE jumping, surf flicks, bike stunts and other adrenaline sports pursued in all sorts of exotic locales—but the festival, which is presented by iconic enviro-action brand Patagonia, also seeks to promote and screen films that deal with issues beyond sports. The film selection committee, which screens over 200 entries from around the world, also looks for movies that tackle the environmental and social issues that threaten the planet where we play.

That ethos is all in the spirit of the festival’s founder, Jonny Copp, who was killed in an avalanche this spring in China. Copp’s infectious energy and passion for the planet included pushing the limits when it came to climbing but he also sought to make conections with the native people he met on his adventures and try to do something to save the places he loved so dearly. The festival was Copp’s way to continue the narrative he began on his travels.

It all opens with an evening show at the Boulder Theater, followed by two full days that feature adventure film-making workshops, photography, live music and over 20 award-winning films at venues across town.  Top outdoor filmmakers will lead discussions on equipment and techniques. After the Boulder event, the show goes on tour, traveling to cities around the U.S. and making stops in Chile, France and South Africa. adventurefilm.org

“Take your stinking paws off me you damn, dirty ape.”

Fall means cyclocross season. ‘Cross takes the best of road and mountain biking, throws in some barriers that require dismounting and sprinting with your bike on your shoulder, and adds beer-guzzling fans clanging cowbells and shouting “suffer, suffer!” Here we’ve included a sampling of the Colorado ‘cross race schedule, along with some holiday runs that may even be crazier.

BOULDER CYCLOCROSS SERIES
Various Locations / Sept 26, Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 15
Now in its tenth year, the Boulder Cyclocross series offers four distinct courses to quadruple your pleasure. From the sand pits and goat heads of the Boulder Reservoir course, to the muddy creek run-up at Interlocken, it’s a Front Range sufferfest that will leave you hurting clear until Turkey Day.
boulderracing.com/cross.asp

The VALMONT BIKE PARK FEST / Boulder / October 17
We can think of no better way to celebrate the ground-breaking of a 45-acre bike park in Boulder than with a cyclocross race. And no race promoter more worthy of bringing more cowbell than DBC Event’s Chris Grealish, who has been putting on races in Colorado since 1989. Think big crowds and lots of beer.
dbcevents.com

EERIE ERIE 5K/10K RACE / Erie / October 31
For 27 years now, Erie residents have been donning cheesy costumes and racing on Halloween Day. To up the spook factor in broad daylight, the course goes past the Erie Cemetery. We’d sort of prefer to have the race at midnight, but understand the importance of family fun with the 1/4-mile Goblin Run and all. At least no one will be running around naked.
erie.optimistweb.org

DENVER GORILLA RUN / Denver / October 31

“I don’t think this is the teabag protest…”

Participants complete this 3.5-mile run through Denver in full gorilla suits… need we say more? The black furry bodysuit and gorilla head are included in your race entry fee. Not a runner? No problem. You can walk, roller blade, ride your bike or skateboard instead. The event is a fundraiser for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (as if we needed an excuse to race in gorilla suits).
denvergorillarun.com

NAKED PUMPKIN RUN / Boulder / October 31
Where else but Boulder, where more than 150 people remove their clothes, stick their head up a pumpkin, and go flailing through town on Halloween evening. While we love Boulder, we sort of want to ask, why? Stuff flops around when you run. A LOT.
nakedpumpkinrun.org

BLUE SKY VELO CUP / Longmont / October 31
The Blue Sky Velo Club took over this race for the 2009 season and is going all-out. If they pay half as much attention to the course as they did their Blue Sky Velo Cup blog and professionally designed logos and posters, this could become one of Colorado’s premier ‘cross events. We absolutely can’t wait to check it out.
blueskyvelocup.blogspot.com

Beetlefest 2008

Last fall, in lieu of holding another been-there-done-that Oktoberfest, the city of Frisco decided to smash a 1970’s VW Bug, dunk a guy named Rick Herwehe from A Cut Above Forestry into a vat of cold water and sell Sour Cream and Onion Larvae to Summit County Residents. And so BeetleFest was born. The point? Raise awareness about the mountain pine beetles’ troubling destruction of millions of acres of lodgepole pine and raise funds for the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, a nonprofit dedicated to forest fire mitigation and restoration efforts.

BeetleFest 2009 will be held on September 12th, and this time, Frisco is banking on seeing more attendees from across the Front Range. “We had a great time last year,” says Tim Bock, Frisco’s marketing and communications director. “The community really enjoyed themselves and asked us to do the festival again. So we wanted to open it up to a larger audience.”

Bock expects the festival to draw about 5,000 people—and many will dress the part. “Costumes are huge in Summit County,” Bock says. “We’re expecting tons of participation and we’re anticipating some pretty cool prizes provided by Summit County News and local radio station KSMT.”

Festival goers can race in the BeetleStomp 4K in the morning and watch a Lumberjack demonstration afterward. The dunk tank will be back, as well as the opportunity to sledgehammer a vintage Volkswagen Bug. “To take out your pine beetle aggression,” Bock explains.

Other notable activities include a bug petting zoo provided by the Denver Butterfly Pavilion and a bug-eating challenge where the squeamish can sample “mudpies,” a.k.a. cupcakes with gummy worms, and the not-so-squeamish can try chocolate covered grasshoppers with Oreo cookie crumbles. Plus there will be live performances by Luv Brothers, Marty Jones and the Great Unknowns and The Woodies.

For more info go to www.theevilpinebeetle.com.

Been training hard all summer? Enter a race to see how you stack up.

When the dog days start to wag to a close and fall is the air, it’s time to put the miles you’ve logged all summer long to the test. Not the competitive type? No worries. Competition can be light-hearted. Here, we give you a list of foot races that are fun for the fleet. For a full list of August and September events in Colorado, go to www.elevationoutdoors.com/index.php/events-calendar/

The SkirtChaser: Come and get it ... if you think you can.

King o’ the Trail: LaSportiva’s Karl Metzler trains to kick your butt.

AUGUST

NEDERLAND: AUGUST 1
LaSportiva Eldora Trail 10k Run
One of the most scenic and challenging 10K trail runs in the Front Range, this race traverses the dirt trails of Eldora’s Nordic Center. The Eldora Trail 10K Run is part of the LaSportiva Mountain Cup—13 of the best trail races in the U.S. that offer up $25,000 in prize money. No matter how you place, you’re guaranteed a LaSportiva tech tee and a good time as part of your entry fee.
digdeepsports.com/lasportivaeldora10k.html

BOULDER: AUGUST 13
Pearl Street Mile
Few things hurt like running as hard as you can for one mile. Join 1,000 other masochists racing through the streets of downtown Boulder. See if you can beat last year’s winning time of 4:10. Just because it’s only several minutes of your life doesn’t mean you won’t feel the repercussions well into the following week.
5430sports.com/BRS/psm.htm

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: AUGUST 16
11th Annual Ski Haus Continental Divide Trail Run
Any race that requires a gondola ride to get back to your car is worthy in our book. This glorious 16-mile trail run finishes atop Thunderhead. There are two aid stations on the course, but you should plan to carry your own water—for yourself and your pooch, who is permitted to run with you, so long as Fido is on leash.
runningseries.com/races/continentaldivide_trail_run.php

LEADVILLE: AUGUST 22
Leadville 100 Ultramarathon
Ready for one of the toughest 100-mile races in the country? Runners start at 4 a.m., climbing and descending 15,600 feet, with elevations ranging from 9,200 to 12,620 feet. No one has ever finished in daylight, except Matt Carpenter, who set a course record of 15 hours and 42 minutes in 2005. In fact, over half the folks at the starting line don’t make it across the finish line in the allotted 30 hours.
leadville.com/trail100/index.htm

BUENA VISTA: AUGUST 23–28
2009 GORE-TEX TransRockies Run
In search of a Colorado-style honeymoon? Consider running with your beloved from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek through the heart of the White River and San Isabel National Forests. The 113-mile race is done in pairs over the course of several days and is fully supported by a professional event team who takes care of your food, accommodations and on-course support.
transrockies.com/transrockiesrun/news

DENVER: AUGUST 29
SkirtChaser 5k
One of six races in SkirtSports’ wildly successful national series, the SkirtChaser 5K pits men against women. In this sexy spin on running, the women get a head start in the “Catch Me” wave, and the men start 3 minutes later in the “Skirtchaser” wave. The first athlete to cross the finish line, man or woman, walks away with $500. A block party with free beer and live music awaits all finishers.
skirtchaser5k.com

SEPTEMBER

COLORADO SPRINGS: SEPTEMBER 7
American Discovery Trail Marathon, Marathon Relay and Half Marathon
Save your knees, run a marathon on dirt. Now in its 9th year, this Labor Day weekend race offers beautiful views of the Pikes Peak region. In case you’re not up for a full marathon, this year’s lineup includes a four-person relay marathon option, in addition to the half marathon option.
adtmarathon.com

OURAY: SEPTEMBER 12
Imogene Pass Run
Every year, 1,500 people run 17.1 miles from Ouray to Telluride by way of 13,120-foot Imogene Pass. The mostly dirt route captivates runners with its steep-peaked alpine setting and gorgeous vistas—but this race is best known for its notoriously squirrely weather conditions. Be prepared for sun, rain, sleet, hail, snow, fog and wind, sometimes all in the same race.
imogenerun.com

FORT COLLINS: SEPTEMBER 21
Crossroads Half Marathon and 5K
Formerly known as the Easy Street Half, the Crossroads Half follows the Poudre River and Spring Creek Bike Trails. The course ends on the asphalt city streets, for a fast, flat finish. The 5K is mainly on city streets with a portion on the bike trails.
footoftherockies.com

]]> http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/calendar/run-forest-run/feed/ 0 http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/calendar/beat-the-heat/ http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/calendar/beat-the-heat/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:05:51 +0000 Jayme Moye http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/EOD_DEV/?p=1250

Summer’s here and the living’s hot in the Front Range. To cool you down while keeping your adrenaline at a steady boil, we give you Colorado’s best water events—and a few more that will just soak you in sweat. For a complete listing of all Colorado June/July events, go to elevationoutdoors.com/events-calendar.

Flipping out at Crested Butte Fat Tire Week

Teva Mountain Games • June 4–7

Head up to Vail and partake in the country’s largest celebration of mountain sport, soul and culture with 30,000 of your closest friends. The 2009 Games will host competitions in kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, road biking, fishing and rafting. Caution: with parties, concerts and a retro prom, the Games’ vibrant nightlife is a sure-fire way to miss your competition the next morning.
tevamountaingames.com

Lyons Outdoors Games • June 12–14

The Lyons Outdoors Games started as an excuse for some paddling buddies to get together and play in Lyons’ Whitewater Park. Now in its 7th year, the event has grown into a world-class hootenanny of mountain sports featuring kayaking, mountain biking and the infamous canine cannonball, in which dogs compete for the gnarliest river launch. In addition, the Games offer numerous clinics and exhibitions put on by some of the world’s premier professional athletes.
lyonsoutdoorgames.com

FIBArk • June 18–21

Now in its 61st year, Salida’s epic Father’s Day weekend event might just be further along in years than your dear old dad. America’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival is all about history, great beer, wild boats, free music and mountain folk. Boasting competitions in every aspect of boating, as well as a parade, carnival and pancake breakfast, this four-day festival welcomes all generations. Not convinced? Fine, spend another Father’s Day playing badminton at Uncle Charlie’s.
fibark.net

Crested Butte Fat Tire Week • June 24–28

This festival celebrates Crested Butte as the birthplace of mountain biking. (Does anyone know for sure where mountain biking was born? Didn’t think so.) Nonetheless, partying at the Gunnison National Forest is always a good idea. Live music, an expo and a beer garden are just some of the amenities in addition to daily guided rides for all levels. The World Famous Chainless Race is always a crowd-pleaser. We can attest that that one is truly a Crested Butte original.
ftbw.com

Gunnison River Fest • June 26–28

Our sources tell us that an even bigger and better festival is in the works for 2009. Those same sources have yet to reveal the details. So we’re on the edge of our seats waiting to find out if they can top last year’s new wave at the Whitewater Park. If you’re a rabble-rouser, you’ll definitely want in on the insanity of the Hooligan Build-Your-Own Boat Race. If you’re more artsy-fartsy, please direct yourself to the Artists’ Reception at Gunnison Gallery.
gunnisonriverfestival.com

Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb • July 18

Why not race your road bike 28 miles up America’s highest paved automobile road? It’s only 14,130 feet. And it’s in mid-July, so you’ll be plenty fit by then. Did we mention the scenery? The race is named in honor of five-time race winner Bob Cook, who died of cancer at the age of 23. Tom Danielson remains the current record-holder, with a time of 1:41:20 set in 2004. Jeannie Longo from France holds the women’s record with a time of 1:59.19. The current Elevation Outdoors staff record is 2:59:49, set by yours truly in 2007.
bicyclerace.com

Loveland Lake-to-Lake Triathlon • June 20

Hello TriGeeks! We know you’re out there. You’ve already signed up, haven’t you?  Well for those who haven’t, this Olympic-distance triathlon couldn’t be held in a more beautiful venue. The 1.5k swim takes place in Lake Loveland, visible from Highway 34. The hilly 30-mile bike course travels through Loveland and Fort Collins with a segment around scenic Horsetooth Reservoir. The 10k run features a new out-and-back course this year to cut down on transition zone congestion.
lovelandlaketolake.com

Boulder Triathlon Series • June 21, July 12, August 9

Colorado’s pinnacle triathlon series is now in its 4th year. It boasts over $16,000 in cash and gift certificates from sponsors for the top age-group finishers in the series. All three races take place at the Boulder Reservoir, beginning with the shortest, the Sprint, in June, and ending with the half-Ironman distance in August. In between, you get hit with the Olympic distance in July, called The Boulder Peak, in honor of the grueling climb up Old Stage Road during the bike segment. Races sold out? Share the love—volunteer.
5430sports.com

La Sportiva Eldora Trail 10k • August 1

Dirt. Ned. Some oddness. Be prepared for anything in this 10K trail race that takes place on the cross country ski trails up at Eldora. The Eldo Trail’s billed as a good venue for your first-ever dirt race and it’s also the 4th race in the 10-event La Sportiva Mountain Cup national series, so points will be scored leading to $25,000 in overall prizes. No matter how hard you run, it’s a nice way to escape the heat down in town.
digdeepsports.com