Zip up your Santa suit, put on your jingle bells and throw on your running shoes or skis with this comprehensive list of festive events in your backyard.
By Katie Scatena
Fort Collins: December 1: Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
Be a part of a stampede of tinkling bells taking over the 5K course on Colorado State University’s campus. Racing with bells tied to your laces not only ensures a jangling good time, but shows support for the Arthritis Foundation’s research and those suffering from the disease. Walk or run the course to get your jingle on. jinglebellrunnortherncolorado.kintera.org
Colorado Springs: December 1: Ugly Christmas Sweater Run
Finally. The time has come to unearth your most hideous (and secretly favorite) piece of clothing from the closet. Rock your infamous ugly Christmas sweater as you run this fun 5K, or strut your stuff on the 1-mile walk at Monument Valley Park. Proceeds from running or walking in gloriously gaudy garments go to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs. uglychristmassweaterrun.blogspot.com
Longmont: December 1: Rudolph Dash
This is more than just your typical 5K run/walk. Longmont’s Prospect New Town offers an array of festivities on race day such as free horse drawn carriage rides, food vendors and Santa, himself. Bring a canned or boxed food item to donate to families in need in Boulder County. Run, run, Rudolph! rudolphdash.com
Aspen: December 8: Summit For Life Uphill Race
Things get crazy in Aspen when contestants start from the base of the mountain and scramble their way up a leg-burning 3,267 feet of vertical climbing. Racers can choose to ascend in snowshoes, skis or hiking boots. A headlamp is recommended for both the recreational start at 5:00 p.m. and the competitive start at 6:00 p.m., as the course is not lit. Upon reaching the summit, participants are rewarded with dinner, music and an after party. The race is a fundraiser for organ donor awareness and benefits the Chris Klug Foundation. summitforlife.org/index.php?file=subpage&page=Weekend%20of%20Events
Littleton: December 15: Santa Stampede
Hudson Gardens will be hosting this 5/10K formerly known as Rudolph’s Revenge. Run a beautiful course along the South Platte River and enjoy delicious hot cocoa at the finish line. Upon registration runners will receive a red Santa hat, and after the race there will be food and live music to get your groove on Santa-style. Last year’s event saw more than 1,100 festive finishers, and partygoers. winterdistanceseries.com/Santa
Loveland: December 15: Family Race Day
Hit the mountain and enjoy the powder with your family. With free admission for those competing in downhill races, it’s a great day to gun for your personal record on the mountain. There are races for all ages and abilities of skiers and boarders. Spend a day on the slopes and maybe even tote home a medal awarded to the 1st through 3rd place winners of each race. skiloveland.com/events/december.aspx
Denver: December 22: Christmas Carol Classic
This second annual 5/10K run in Denver’s City Park donates its proceeds to the Denver Children’s Home. There will be Christmas carolers to serenade runners during and after the race. Upon registration, participants will be entered into a raffle for tickets to a performance of the classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. runningguru.com/EventInformation.asp?eID=2519
Steamboat: December 31: Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
Spend New Years Eve in true Colorado style, on the mountain. Watch as the Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School illuminates the mountain by torchlight for the parade, followed by fireworks bursting over the slopes to ring in the New Year. my.steamboat.com/events/sprint-torchlight-parades-fireworks-display
