This is one of Colorado Springs oldest races and fits in with the second oldest parade in our community. This usually kicks off the start of the running season for runners in the Springs. For most of the races, the weather has been quite marvelous, with just enough of a nip in the air. This year, we are bringing back a run for the kids, the Leprechaun Fun Run*, on a course as long as a rainbow, down and back up Colorado Avenue.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade follows with floats and bands creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate this coming of spring with costumes and green hair, and we encourage all of our runners to dress up in their festive finery. Everyone is Irish during this event!
Distance: 5K
Location: Old Colorado City / Bancroft Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Event Website: http://www.csgrandprix.com/
Contact: Grand Prix (719) 635-8803 director@csgrandprix.com
Organization: Grand Prix of Running
Organization's Website: http://www.csgrandprix.com/
2004 celebrated the opening of downtown Colorado Springs’ Confluence Park with our start and finish in this lovely, convenient location at the base of Pikes Peak and the Colorado’s Rampart Range. The new course has little altitude change; it follows Monument and Fountain Creeks and is almost entirely on trails. A few rolling hills are encountered near the northern turn-around. The altitude along the course changes gradually beginning at about 6200 feet, reaching about 6500 feet near the northern turnaround (about the 16 mile marker) and back to 6200 feet. The course is about 40-50% hard-packed trails with the remainder asphalt pavement or asphalt.
Distance: Marathon/Half Marathon/5K
Location: America The Beautiful Park, Colo Spgs
Event Website: http://www.adtmarathon.com
Contact: Bob Mutu
Organization: American Discovery Trail Marathon Committee (part of Pikes Peak
Road Runners)
Organization's Website: http://www.adtmarathon.com
What is the workout protocol?
These are long runs designed to build a base and also keep up our skills for running on trails, rocks, snow and sometimes ice. While we never do our long runs like races, we do not run them slow either. In the early season (until Junish) we alternate runs every weekend with:
Go out the Ute Indian Trail and at the "T" take a right down the service road. Look both ways and cross Hwy 24 and then run the Waldo Canyon loop clockwise. Look both ways and cross back over the highway and head back the way we came. 1:50 to 3:00 depending on speed.
Go out the Ute Indian Trail and at the "T" take a left up the service road and then another left when the service road forks and head up toward Mt. Manitou. Run down through the Experimental Forest to No Name Creek. Head back down the Barr Trail to finish. 1:50 to 3 hours depending on speed.
Up to Barr Camp via the Barr Trail and back 1:50 to 3:00 depending on speed.
These should be right at 2-hour runs for the faster runners and 3-hour runs for the slower runners. As the season progresses we add on to these loops to make them longer.
See the long-term plan for more details.
When the snow melts on top of Pikes Peak (sometime in June) Sunday runs are moved to Elk Park (on the Pikes Peak Highway) where we run 6.5ish miles over to Barr Camp and then head up the Barr Trail to the Summit.
Who is invited?
You are, so come on out! The more people that show the better because the chances of having someone at your pace gets better. However, even if no one else ends up with you, just being on a schedule and starting with people makes the whole process of Sunday long runs a lot easier! We must pay the price now, so that we can be rewarded in August!
Directions: Elk Park Knoll is an obscure turnoff just above timberline on the Pikes Peak Highway. To make it easier, we carpool from the Highway's Toll Gate. Pay at the gate or flash your annual pass, then park just past the gate.
Directions: Soda Springs Park in Manitou is at the bottom of Ruxton Ave. From I-25 exit to Hwy 24 (exit #141). Follow Hwy 24 West to the Manitou Springs exit, and then West on Manitou Avenue. Follow Manitou Avenue 1.4 miles and park at Soda Springs Park. Additional parking is available by branching right onto Canon Avenue at the Town Clock, then following it to Soda Springs Park (stay left at the fork by the Post Office).
Distance: 1-3.5 hrs.
Location: Soda Springs Park , Manitou Springs, CO
Event Website: http://www.inclineclub.com
Contact: Matt Carpenter matt@skyrunner.com
Organization: Incline Club
Organization's Website: http://www.inclineclub.com
10K/5K Fun Run and Walk in front of the UCCS University Center, Lot 3. Prizes will be
awarded to the overall top male and female, and all participants will be eligible for
door prizes. Both courses start and finish in front of the University Center on the UUCS
campus. The courses are challenging, containing significant hill climbs throughout the
route. The running surface includes concrete sidewalks, dirt roads, asphalt, single track
dirt trails and even a stretch through a dry creek bed.
Distance: 10K run and 5K walk/run
Location: UCCS University Center, Lot 3, CO
Contact: (719) 262-3463
Organization: Campus Recreation, Univ. of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Organization's Website: http://web.uccs.edu/recsports/
This 5K and 10K raises funds for the Elbert Booster Club (i.e., money for the high school) in Elbert, Colorado. Elbert is about 30 miles east and north of Colorado Springs.
The course is on gravel roads. Road 86-96 is used and some roads in Academy East subdivision with rolling hills. Vehicles, dogs, etc. may be on the course. Altitude is approximately 7000 feet and temperatures may range from 70 to -25 degrees.
Overall awards are given to the top 3 (male and female) for both 5K and 10K. Age-group awards (top 3) are given out in age groups 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
Start time is 9:00 am. 100-150 runners are typical.
There are typically lots of door prize drawings. A pancake breakfast is also traditionally held after the race in the city of Elbert itself. This is served by the Elbert High School Cheerleaders.
Directions: From Colorado Springs, head east on Hwy 24 towards Falcon. Proceed through Falcon and after a few miles turn left (north) on Elbert Rd 25-41. If you get to Peyton, you’ve missed the turn. Stay on this road for a good 15 miles or so. Enter the town of Elbert. The staging area is at the track and ballfield complex near the center of town.
Distance: 5K/10K
Location: Elbert, Colorado, Elbert, CO
Contact: Larry Miller, fallseries@aol.com
Organization: Elbert High School Boosters
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
This annual social activity has three functions. The first is to enjoy some good food and some good company. A pasta dinner is catered and is offered at a reasonable cost ($6 in past years). Participants are encouraged to bring a dessert to share. We usually end up with about 3 tables full of desserts, so you can really satisfy your sweet tooth.
A second activity for the evening is the election of the Pikes Peak Road Runners board members. All members of the PPRR are allowed to vote and even nominate themselves to be on the board. A number of yearly club awards are also presented, including the Nielsen Challenge award, the Volunteer of the Year award, and the President’s award.
Finally, this evening also serves as the awards dinner for the Fall Series. Thus all the Fall Series awards (for those that ran all four races) are presented this evening.
It’s a fun evening and occurs at the downtown YMCA in Colorado Springs from 6 - 8 pm. Please RSVP for dinner ahead of time so that the caterer can prepare the proper amount of food.
Distance: 3 hrs
Location: Downtown YMCA, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Larry Miller, fallseries@aol.com
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
This is the first in a
series of four cross country races in four different city and county parks. The
courses are run over trails in the parks. The trails range from being well
maintained to very rocky with tree roots, and if there is water around you could
and will get wet. The races are run in all weather conditions that greet you at
the start of the runs. This is a progressive series, meaning each run is longer
than the last one. If you run all four runs, you will get a special award and
will be eligible for age group and overall awards. If you run one, two, or three
runs, you will get a T-shirt with something on it. Team competition is part of this series, too.
Distances are approximate.
A Kids Fall Series is also
offered. Four different age groups are available for the kids, 0-3, 4-5, 6+, and
middle school age. The kids run is also a progressive series, with the youngest
running from 25-50 yards, the next group running from ¼ mile to 600 yards, and
the school ages running from 1 mile to 1 ½ miles. The kids' run is FREE.
The first race takes place
at North Monument Valley Park. The courses are tame.
Directions:
From southbound I-25, take the Fillmore exit (Exit #145). Turn left from the
exit ramp onto eastbound Fillmore. Go east about ½ mile and turn right onto
Cascade. Go south on Cascade to Fontanero St. Turn
right and proceed a couple of blocks west to Culebra Ave (where Fontanero ends).
From northbound I-25, take
the Uintah Exit (Exit #143). Turn right from the exit ramp onto Uintah. Go a few
blocks to Cascade Ave, Tejon St or Nevada Ave, depending on where you are
allowed to make a left turn (due to road construction). Turn left and proceed
about 6 blocks north to Fontanero. Turn left onto Fontanero and proceed a few
blocks west to Culebra Ave (where Fontanero ends).
Distance: 3.5M
Location: North Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Larry Miller (719) 590-7086 fallseries@aol.com
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
This is the second in a
series of four cross country races in four different city and county parks. The
courses are run over trails in the parks. The trails range from being well
maintained to very rocky with tree roots, and if there is water around you could
and will get wet. The races are run in all weather conditions that greet you at
the start of the runs. This is a progressive series, meaning each run is longer
than the last one. If you run all four runs, you will get a special award and
will be eligible for age group and overall awards. If you run one, two, or three
runs, you will get a T-shirt with something on it.
Distances are approximate.
A Kids Fall Series is also
offered. Three different age groups are available for the kids, 0-3, 4-5, 6+,
and middle school age. The kids run
is also a progressive series, with the youngest running from 25-50 yards, the
next group running from ¼ mile to 600 yards, and the school ages running from 1
mile to 1 ½ miles. The kids' run is FREE.
The course at Bear Creek
Park offers some well-groomed trails, and it also offers some good hills.
You’ll be running in the portion of Bear Creek Park that is west of 21st
Street, so hills are par for the course in this area. The rope climb was
very popular for previous years, so expect it to return for the 2006 race.
Directions:
To get to Bear Creek Park, take Hwy-24 west to 21st Street. Turn
left (south) and follows 21st Street to Argus Blvd. Turn right on Argus and
you’ll see the park and staging area on your right.
This is the third in a
series of four cross country races in four different city and county parks. The
courses are run over trails in the parks. The trails range from being well
maintained to very rocky with tree roots, and if there is water around you could
and will get wet. The races are run in all weather conditions that greet you at
the start of the runs. This is a progressive series, meaning each run is longer
than the last one. If you run all four runs, you will get a special award and
will be eligible for age group and overall awards. If you run one, two, or three
runs, you will get a T-shirt with something on it.
Distances are approximate.
A Kids Fall Series is also
offered. Three different age groups are available for the kids, 0-3, 4-5, 6+,
and middle school age. The kids run is also a progressive series, with the
youngest running from 25-50 yards, the next group running from ¼ mile to 600
yards, and the school ages running from 1 mile to 1 ½ miles. The kids' run is
FREE.
At this third race, the
trails become more challenging. In addition to hills, parts of the trails are
rocky with tree roots exposed. Be careful, or you can torque an ankle in the
blink of an eye. There have been broken bones in this race before. This is
considered by many the hardest run of the four.
Directions:
To get to Ute Valley Park, take I-25 to the Rockrimmon exit (Exit #147). Go to
Vindicator Drive and turn left (west). You’ll go by the Safeway and see
Eagleview Middle School on the left. Park
at the west end of the school. The
race starts and ends on the school track. Ute Valley Park is adjacent to the
track.
This is the fourth in a
series of four cross country races in four different city and county parks. The
courses are run over trails in the parks. The trails range from being well
maintained to very rocky with tree roots, and if there is water around you could
and will get wet. The races are run in all weather conditions that greet you at
the start of the runs. This is a progressive series, meaning each run is longer
than the last one. If you run all four runs, you will get a special award and
will be eligible for age group and overall awards. If you run one, two, or three
runs, you will get a T-shirt with something on it.
Distances are approximate.
A Kids Fall Series is also
offered. Three different age groups are available for the kids, 0-3, 4-5, 6+,
and middle school age. The kids run is also a progressive series, with the
youngest running from 25-50 yards, the next group running from ¼ mile to 600
yards, and the school ages running from 1 mile to 1 ½ miles. The kids' run is
FREE.
By the time the fourth
race comes around, the weather becomes more of a factor. So there could be ice
and snow on the trails. Like Ute Valley Park, the trails in Palmer Park are
rocky with exposed tree roots. It’s also easy here to twist an ankle.
There’s also no break from the hills, but there are spectacular vantage points
along the way, so just enjoy the race.
Directions:
The staging area is at the south side of Palmer Park, near Academy and Maizeland.
This event is a community effort of the Colorado Springs Fire Department, the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Safe Kids Coalition the Pikes Peak Road Runners and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. Everyone is a winner. FUN is the focus of the event. KIDS ONLY!
Registration is mandatory. Commemorative shirts on a first come, first serve bases.
NEW THIS YEAR - WHEELS OF FIRE. 3 different age groups of riders... go for a bike ride with firefighters and police officers! WOW!
BRING YOUR BIKES
Colorado Springs Fire Department
smoke obstacle course
smoke trailer
Sparky
Vehicle display
Colorado Springs Police Department
bike safety check
bike confidence course
convincer
fingerprinting
wheelchair DUI
tactical squad
Air 1
Pikes Peak Road Runners
200 yards
1/4 mile
1/2 mile
1 mile
Finisher Medals
Air-1
Colorado Springs Safe Kids Coalition
helmet safety check
helmet giveaways, as needed
YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
healthy snack table
moon bounce
fitness stations
face painting
American Medical Response
vehicle display
Flight for Life
vehicle display
Memorial Star
vehicle display
Directions to Memorial Park's Fallen Fighter Memorial and Rose Bowl - Pikes Peak Avenue
and Hancock Avenue. The parking lots are accessed from the Pikes Peak Avenue and Farragut
entrance; then walk west to the staging area.
Distance: various
Location: Memorial Park @ Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Rose Bowl, Colorado
Springs, CO
Contact: Patricia Lockhart (719) 598-2953 patlockhart@worldnet.att.net
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
These training runs are held primarily to get runners ready for the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run on the second Sunday in June. But everybody is welcome, regardless of whether you will be running in the 10 Miler or not.
Training runs start in April and continue until race day. Runners meet twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:00 am. Usually, about 50 runners show up.
Various subgroups are formed based on ability level. The groups run for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. One group usually runs on the trails, and other groups run on paved roads. In either case, it’s a hilly workout. Elevation in the park ranges from 6,550 feet to 6,250 feet. There are many ups and downs between those bounds.
Directions: Meet at the Chuck Wagon Parking Lot in the Garden of the Gods. This is the large parking lot that is on the northern edge of the park. That is, it’s the parking lot that is adjacent to the Kissing Camels rock formation. If entering the park from 30th Street, you’ll come to an intersection where you have to turn right. Go to the right and proceed up the hill (about ½ mile) to the parking lot.
Distance: 1 hr
Location: Large parking lot, north end of park , Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Dave Sorenson
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
In 1859, Rufus Cable replied, "This is a fit place for a garden of the gods. Let that be its name." And so it became. And through the courtesy of Colorado Springs’ Parks and Recreation Department, the Grand Prix of Running offers two running events in truly one of the most beautiful areas in the United States. Both the 5 Mile and 5K routes are conducted within the confines of the Garden of the Gods. These events are part of the prestigious Grand Prix of Running Series of races; a series that is fast becoming one of America’s best running series. The courses are hilly and strenuous.
Distance: 5K/5M
Location: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO
Event Website: http://www.csgrandprix.com/
Contact: Grand Prix (719) 635-8803 director@csgrandprix.com
Organization: Grand Prix of Running
Organization's Website: http://www.csgrandprix.com/
This race starts near Tiffany Square south of Woodmen Road and I-25. The 10K course follows the Santa Fe Trail along Monument Creek, and is mostly it flat with some rolling hills. Almost all of the course is paved, until you get into Monument Valley Park near the end where it becomes a gravel path. Busses will be available to shuttle runners back to the start, but innovative runners have teamed up to leave one car near the end and carpool it, or have their fan club encourage them at the finish line.
On-site registration starts at 6am with the race starting at 7am. More details to follow.
Distance: 10K
Location: Tiffany Square, I-25 & Woodmen Rd., Colorado Springs, CO
Event Website: http://www.csgrandprix.com/
Contact: Grand Prix (719) 635-8803 director@csgrandprix.com
Organization: Grand Prix of Running
Organization's Website: http://www.csgrandprix.com/
What are the workout protocols?
We have two workouts that we rotate.
1) Tempo run from Hydro Street to No Name Creek (aka French Creek) or 30 minutes — whichever comes first. This is an anaerobic threshold workout requiring attention to pacing so that the pace is constant for the entire 30 minutes. Progress is marked by how far up the trail you get in the 30 minutes with the goal being that the SAME effort over time gets you farther up the trail. This will help increase the pace that a given effort will produce or, as they say, raise our lactic acid threshold pace.
2) 1 minute hard, 1 minute easy for 30 minutes starting at Hydro Street and running up the Barr Trail. This is a very demanding workout and unfortunately it is also very hard to master! What is important is to keep the hard minutes the same quality by learning to adjust your easy minutes. Because there are 15 hard minutes pacing is very important! The purpose of this workout is to gain speed on a hill and to learn our body by going in and out of oxygen debt.
When are the workouts?
Every Thursday from April through August at 5:30pm — that is warmed up and ready to go at 5:30pm!!!
Directions: Soda Springs Park in Manitou is at the bottom of Ruxton Ave. From I-25 exit to Hwy 24 (exit #141). Follow Hwy 24 West to the Manitou Springs exit, and then West on Manitou Avenue. Follow Manitou Avenue 1.4 miles and park at Soda Springs Park. Additional parking is available by branching right onto Canon Avenue at the Town Clock, then following it to Soda Springs Park (stay left at the fork by the Post Office).
Distance: 1 hr.
Location: Soda Springs Park, Manitou Springs, CO
Event Website: http://www.inclineclub.com
Contact: Matt Carpenter matt@skyrunner.com
Organization: Incline Club
Organization's Website: http://www.inclineclub.com
The start and finish are at Cheyenne Spring in the 900 block of Manitou Ave. The 5K is an out and back course on Manitou Avenue and El Paso Blvd. The kids run is about ½ K and is FREE. All kids runners receive a ribbon.
Age groups are 1-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+. Awards go to the first place overall male and female, and the top three in each age group (male and female).
The Emma Crawford Coffin races follow the running events, so you can watch crazy people push coffins up Manitou Avenue after the 5K race.
Distance: 5K
Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado, Manitou Springs, CO
Contact: Larry Miller
Organization: Run Pikes Peak, Inc.
Organization's Website: http://www.runpikespeak.com/
Note: The following information is based on the 2000 entry form and is subject to change for the 2001 race.
The start and finish are at Cheyenne Spring in the 900 block of Manitou Ave. The 5K is an out and back course on Manitou Avenue and El Paso Blvd. The kids run is about ½ K and is FREE. All kids runners receive a ribbon.
Age groups are 1-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+. Awards go to the first place overall male and female, and the top three in each age group (male and female).
The Emma Crawford Coffin races follow the running events, so you can watch crazy people push coffins up Manitou Avenue after the 5K race.
Distance: .5K
Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado, Manitou Springs, CO
Contact: Larry Miller
Organization: Run Pikes Peak, Inc.
Organization's Website: http://www.runpikespeak.com/
Every month a bunch of fun-loving folks have a great time talking about running and races, sipping refreshments, and enjoying yummie hot pizza...oh, and they also get the newsletter ready for mailing. But that just takes a few minutes once the right hand knows what the left is doing and everyone melds into a finely tuned insert-staple-label mailing machine. You will get to talk with several board members and race directors and have the chance to talk to other avid runners. Come be a part of this fun event and enjoy the hospitality of the Colorado Running Company, 833 N Tejon (corner of Tejon and Cache la Poudre) every third Wednesday at 6:30pm. Call 232-4419 for more info or write to editor@pprrun.org.
Distance: 2 hrs
Location: Colorado Running Company
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
The Nielsen Challenge is a monthly 2-mile handicap race, organized by the Pikes Peak Road Runners. It’s held on the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 am. This is a low-key event and usually gets around 20-50 participants. It’s FREE, with race day sign up only.
The first time you run this, you’ll establish a base time for yourself. From then on, you are racing against your base time. The person who improves the most from their base time is the winner. Your base time is adjusted each month, taking the average of your previous times with a fudge factor thrown in.
If you win, you’ll receive wild applause from the other runners, and receive kudos (and possibly lavish and expensive gifts) from all your neighbors, family, and friends. And rumor has it that the winner receives an invitation to appear on the Jay Leno show, but rumor also has it that the invitation sometimes gets lost in the mail. (Darn post office!) By the way, the winner must retrieve the cone at the ½ mile turn-around point.
The race is held at North Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs. The course is on well-groomed dirt trails and is flat. Elevation is slightly above 6000 feet.
Directions: From southbound I-25, take the Fillmore exit (Exit #145). Turn left from the exit ramp onto eastbound Fillmore. Go east about ½ mile and turn right onto Cascade. Go south on Cascade to Fontanero St. Turn right and proceed a couple of blocks west to Culebra Ave (where Fontanero ends).
From northbound I-25, take the Uintah Exit (Exit #143). Turn right from the exit ramp onto Uintah. Go a few blocks to Cascade Ave, Tejon St or Nevada Ave, depending on where you are allowed to make a left turn (due to road construction). Turn left and proceed about 6 blocks north to Fontanero. Turn left onto Fontanero and proceed a few blocks west to Culebra Ave (where Fontanero ends).
North Monument Valley Park is adjacent to Culebra Ave. From the small parking lot, walk down into the park. Watch for us at the picnic tables that are near the bathrooms or at the Nielsen Challenge starting line near the creek. There is also a playground, a ball field, and a large grassy area nearby.
Distance: 2M
Location: North Monument Valley Park , Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Phil Foster (719) 447-1371 jpfoster2@earthlink.net
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
All proceeds from this 4 Mile event go to the Colorado Springs for Deaf and Blind Athletic Department, located in Colorado Springs.
The race is held at Bear Creek Park (eastern portion). The course is mainly on the trails in the park, but there is a short distance on a paved entry road and a gravel parking lot. There are a few decent hills to keep the thrills at a high level. Elevation is around 6200 feet. Around 100 runners show up for this low-key event.
Race Day Registration ONLY.
Awards are given to the 1st overall male and female, and 3-deep in 10-year age-groups.
Directions: From I-25, take the Cimarron Exit (Exit #141). At the end of the exit ramp, turn west onto Cimarron. (This is also Hwy 24). Follow Cimarron for about 2 miles to 21st Street. Turn left (south) onto 21st street. Follow 21st Street for about 1.5 miles to Rio Grande Street. Turn left (east) onto Rio Grande Street. Go about 100+ yards and turn right into the park. Staging area is in the gravel parking lot that is near the community gardens area.
Distance: 4M
Location: Bear Creek Park/East, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Don Johnson
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
This is a trail race around the Rampart Reservoir. The distance is approximate. At the 2000 race, a biker used an odometer to measure the course and it came out to 15.1 miles.
The course is at 9000+ feet and on rolling terrain. The trail is dirt and mostly single-track with some exposed tree roots and rocks. If Mother nature cooperates, the Aspens will be showing off their fall colors.
A couple of water stops are provided, but it is suggested that you also carry some water, as it is 4 or 5 miles between water stops. This is a low-key event with race day sign up only. There are no t-shirts, but will be plenty of refreshments at the finish. A nominal entry fee is charged.
Directions: Drive Highway 24 west to Woodland Park. Take Baldwin Street (the road behind McDonald’s in Woodland Park) and head north. There will be a fork in the road - take Loy Gulch Road (right hand fork). Turn right onto Rampart Range Road. Drive about 2 miles to the Rainbow Gulch trailhead (left side of the road). That parking area will be our staging area.
Distance: 15M
Location: Rampart Reservoir, Woodland Park, CO
Contact: Pat Lockhart
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
Race, Snow, or 20 Below!
All proceeds of this race go to the El Paso County Search & Rescue. These are the folks that provide free search and rescue services in the Pikes Peak region. They also support local running events by providing on-course communication and medical support for the Rescue Run, PPRR Winter Series, Barr Trail Mountain Race, Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon.
The races are run on paved and dirt roads over rolling and hilly terrain. Panoramic views of the city are exquisite, especially on the 10K course. The altitude is 6,000+ feet, and temperatures may range from 50 to -25 degrees. The race will be held regardless of weather conditions on race day.
Awards (for 5K and 10K):
- Top 3 male/female finishers per event (winners are not eligible for age group awards)
- First male & female in each age group (less than 14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49,
50-59, 60-69, 70+)
- Many drawings for all runners entered and present.
- All Kids Run participants receive a ribbon.
| 5K Course | An out-and-back course on paved roads. The "out" portion is mostly uphill and the "back" portion is mostly downhill. This is challenging, but it's also fun. There is one water stop at the turn around point. |
| 10K Course | A combination out-and-back and loop course. About 4 miles is on paved roads and the rest is on dirt trails and roads. The first mile is mostly uphill. The next couple of miles are gently rolling terrain and some really nice panoramic views of Colorado Springs. Then the grind starts again as runners make their way mostly up an out-and-back stretch. The turnaround point of this section again offers some great views, and from here to the finish (about 1.5 miles), it's mostly downhill. |
| Kids Fun Run | 3 categories for the young at heart: Diaper Derby -- about 50 yards. Toddler Trot -- about 200 yards. School-Age Sprint -- 1 mile. All kids will receive a ribbon. This is FREE for the kids. Adults are allowed to run with their child. |
| Directions (from North of Colorado Springs) | Take I-25 South - Exit Garden of the Gods Rd (Exit 146) - Head east (away from the mountains) for about 3 miles. You'll cross Nevada Ave and Union Blvd. After crossing Nevada, the road name changes from Garden of the Gods to Austin Bluffs. - Turn Right at Academy Blvd. - Go about 1.5 miles, turn right at Maizeland. - Palmer Park is on the right. - There is limited parking in the park (don't park on the grass). You'll probably need to park on neighborhood streets adjacent to the park. |
| Directions (from South of Colorado Springs) | Take I-25 North - Exit at Hwy 24 (eastbound). (Limon, Exit 139) - You will be on the Hwy 24 bypass (i.e., Martin Luther King Bypass) about 1 mile. Then the bypass ends and you'll be on Fountain Ave (heading east). - Go about 1/2 mile and turn left on Academy Blvd. - Go about 3.7 miles and turn left on Maizeland. - Palmer Park is on your right. - There is limited parking in the park (don't park on the grass). You'll probably need to park on neighborhood streets adjacent to the park. |
Distance: 5K/10K
Location: Palmer Park (Maizeland Entrance) , Colorado Springs, CO
Event Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
Contact: Dave Sorenson (719) 473-7848 DavidSorenson@msn.com
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners & El Paso County Search and Rescue
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/,
http://www.epcsar.org
Memorial Park/Prospect Lake is south of
All proceeds benefit
The 5K/3K Run for Hope is a fun run/walk that takes place at
Memorial Park/Prospect Lake on
The course is flat and the elevation is around 6100 feet
(estimate). There are typically around 200 runners.
While the run is a benefit, all registered participants receive an event t-shirt, and are eligible for various prizes and giveaways. There also will be awards for the top male and female finisher.
Distance: 5K/3K
Location: Prospect Lake, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Patricia Lockhart (719) 598-2953 patlockhart@worldnet.att.net
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
Runners take over the downtown area for this festive event. Both a 5K and a 10K are offered on the downtown streets and adjacent neighborhoods through the older and prestigious neighborhood where the city founders first resided. A 1 mile children’s run is also offered.
The courses are flat with the exception of "the hill" on the 10K course. This hill comes near the end of the race, and although not very long (1 block or so), it comes when fatigue is starting to set in.
The annual Springspree fair follows the race, so you can mill around and enjoy the arts and crafts booths, community awareness displays, local entertainment, and the irresistible food booths.
Start time is 7:00 am sharp, with the 1 miler for kids at 8:30 am.
Awards are 1 deep overall and 3 deep in the following age-groups: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.
Race director is Maile Gray. Runners Roost is the center of the registration activities and you can call them for more information at (719) 632-2633.
Distance: 5K/10K
Location: Downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Maile Gray - graywren@adelphia.net
Organization: Concept Restaurants
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
Note: The following information is based on the 2000 entry form, and is subject to change for the 2001 event.
Runners take over the downtown area for this festive event. Both a 5K and a 10K are offered on the downtown streets and adjacent neighborhoods through the older and prestigious neighborhood where the city founders first resided. A 1 mile children’s run is also offered.
The courses are flat with the exception of "the hill" on the 10K course. This hill comes near the end of the race, and although not very long (1 block or so), it comes when fatigue is starting to set in.
The annual Springspree fair follows the race, so you can mill around and enjoy the arts and crafts booths, community awareness displays, local entertainment, and the irresistible food booths.
Start time is 7:00 am sharp, with the 1 miler for kids at 8:30 am.
Awards are 1 deep overall and 3 deep in the following age-groups: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.
Entry fees for the 2001 race are TBD.
Race director is Maile Gray. Runners Roost is the center of the registration activities and you can call them for more information at (719) 632-2633.
Distance: 1M
Location: Downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Maile Gray - graywren@adelphia.net
Organization: Concept Restaurants
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
These training runs are held primarily to get runners ready for the Summer Roundup Trail Run 12K on the second Sunday in July. But everybody is welcome, regardless of whether you will be running in the 12K or not.
Training runs start in June (the Tuesday after the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run) and continue until race day. Runners meet twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:00 am.
Various subgroups are formed based on ability level. The groups run for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The runs occur on dirt trails in Bear Creek Park.
Directions: From I-25, take the Cimarron exit (Exit 141) and head west (toward the mountains) on Cimarron. At 21st Street, turn left and head south. Follow 21st Street for a couple of miles. After passing Rio Grande, you'll be adjacent to Bear Creek Park. Turn right at Argus Blvd. After another 200 yards or so, turn right again into the park. Drive north about 300 yards through the parking area and meet near the large pavilion which is near the playground.
Distance: 1 hr
Location: Bear Creek Park West , Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Dave Sorenson
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
The Tortoise and Hare race South Monument Valley Park is very unique one-of-a-kind for Colorado Springs...and maybe all of Colorado.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get credit in a race for the extra effort involved in hauling an older, heavier body around a 5K course! Wouldn’t it be great if you could move that feminine form just fast as those young guys? How fast could you run if you were 25, the perfect weight for your height, and trained as hard as you do now?
One of our fun club races is
the annual Tortoise and Hare. It is a true handicap event in that it measures
your fitness level based on your age, sex, height and weight! Following a
victory at the Boston Marathon, Bill Rodgers said that his effort to run a
Over the last several years, Woody Noleen and I have worked on handicap charts for our local running scene. Given that we run high altitude, we wanted to somehow factor in training at 6500 feet. We worked with charts from the National WAVA standards that are used by most races of this type, using local 5K race results to massage the data. We came with charts and a formula to measure performance and fitness levels based on four key body factors: age, sex, height and weight.
WAVA data indicated that runners aged 20-34 are in their prime. We therefore gave them no age handicap. All other runners get handicap seconds subtracted from their actual running time.
Women are generally not as fast as men at the 5K distance. Local race analysis showed us that for the prime age group 20-34, this differential was 2 minutes. As runners get older, this differential widened and topped out around 4 minutes. For children, it was less than 2 minutes until they get to be about age 19.
We used a height to weight ratio based upon local race times to develop additional handicaps. Man and women are not built the same and the race results clearly showed the handicap pattern was not the same for men and women.
Last year the formula we ended up with seemed refined enough and very workable. The Tortoise and Hare race became a true measurement of performance weighted for age, sex, height, and weight!
How does it work? At registration you will give us your age and sex. We will measure your height and weight, taken in your running gear. We will then compute your handicap according to the charts and use these seconds to determine your starting time.
The runner with the largest predicted handicap starts first. For the start, the clock is set at this number of seconds and begins counting down. Other runners start when their handicap time (written on their hand at registration) comes up on the clock.
When the clock reaches zero, all runners have started and the clock then starts counting elapsed time for the race. Since handicaps were awarded at the start, the order of finish is therefore the actual standing in the race. (In addition to handicap times, we will also compute actual running times for all runners.)
The race is like a normal 5k in reverse. The Hares start well behind the Tortoises and have to catch them. The tortoises experience the fun of being in front. This can lead to pretty fast times for everybody, not to mention a very closely contested finish! It is not a predict event, so you do not have to try and hold onto a certain pace—just race!
How fast can you run a 5K if we factor out your age, sex, height, and weight?This is a low-key event, with no t-shirt. Race day sign up only. Start time is 9:00 am. The event is FREE to Pikes Peak Road Runner members and $3 for non-members. There are usually about 20-50 runners.
The course is flat and on well-groomed dirt trails for about 2 miles and on cement sidewalks for about 1 mile. The elevation is slightly above 6000 feet.
Distance: 5K
Location: South Monument Valley Park - East Bijou Street @ Westview Place, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Larry Miller (719)-590-7086; Bob Mutu (719) 265-6161
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
The Pikes Peak Road Runners have adopted a section of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail. Monthly cleanups are held to pick up trash and other treasures along the trail. The monthly cleanups are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am. If a PPRR-related race conflicts with a scheduled cleanup date, then the cleanup is rescheduled so there won’t be a conflict.
Everybody is welcome to come and help clean the trail. Bring a pair of work gloves and meet at the 8th Street Wal-Mart in the SW corner of the parking lot.
Distance: 2 hrs
Location: SW Parking Lot WalMart/8th Street, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Don Johnson
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
This is a prediction 5K. No watches or radios or pacers are allowed. The 6 people who finish closest to their predicted times win a turkey.
The course is flat. It starts off on the bicycle criterium course and then does 2 laps around Prospect Lake, before finishing back on the bicycle criterium course.
The starting is a staggered start based on prediction time. The clock will count down starting at the slowest predicted time. As each runner’s predicted time is shown on the clock, the runner starts at that time. In theory, if everybody is perfect on their predictions, they will all finish at the same time. (Of course, that never happens.)
Runners are encouraged to bring baked goodies to be given out during a post race drawing. This is a low-key event with no t-shirt. Race day sign up only.
Directions: Memorial Park is south of Pikes Peak Avenue and west of Union Avenue. The race starts/finishes near the Velodrome on the east side of the park (i.e., near Union Avenue).
Distance: 5K
Location: Prospect Lake, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: Phil Foster
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
The series consists of
four (4) progressive-in-length (LONG AND SHORT) races. The courses are gravel/
paved roads and packed trails, which may or may not be snow-packed, icy or
muddy. Altitude will vary from 6,000’ to 7,500’. Temperatures will range
from 50degs to -25degs. Races will be cancelled if extremely bad weather exists
on race day.
ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS OR BABY
STROLLERS ALLOWED ON THE COURSE. PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY.
Show respect and act like responsible guests. Parking at some venues will be at
a premium. Carpool if you can. The courses will close at 1:30pm. At that time,
the PPRR van will pick up those who have not finished that particular race.
Contact the Race Director if you want to start a race earlier than the stated
time. This recorded time will be unofficial and will not be part of award
recognition. Participant must complete one full series entirely to be considered
for any awards.
Directions:
El Paso County Department of Transportation is attempting to curtail traffic to
Arrive early! 1/4M walk to
start. Staging area is Pine Meadows - furthest north pavilion.
The series consists of
four (4) progressive-in-length (LONG AND SHORT) races. The courses are gravel/
paved roads and packed trails, which may or may not be snow-packed, icy or
muddy. Altitude will vary from 6,000’ to 7,500’. Temperatures will range
from 50 degs to -25 degs. Races will be cancelled if extremely bad weather
exists on race day.
ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS OR BABY
STROLLERS ALLOWED ON THE COURSE. PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY.
Show respect and act like responsible guests. Parking at some venues will be at
a premium. Carpool if you can. The courses will close at 1:30pm. At that time,
the PPRR van will pick up those who have not finished that particular race.
Contact the Race Director if you want to start a race earlier than the stated
time. This recorded time will be unofficial and will not be part of award
recognition. Participant must complete one full series entirely to be considered
for any awards.
Directions:
Interstate 25 -Exit 138 (Circle Drive). Travel east 4 blocks to
The series consists of
four (4) progressive-in-length (LONG AND SHORT) races. The courses are gravel/
paved roads and packed trails, which may or may not be snow-packed, icy or
muddy. Altitude will vary from 6,000’ to 7,500’. Temperatures will range
from 50 degs to -25degs. Races will be cancelled if extremely bad weather exists
on race day.
ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS OR BABY
STROLLERS ALLOWED ON THE COURSE. PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY.
Show respect and act like responsible guests. Parking at some venues will be at
a premium. Carpool if you can. The courses will close at 1:30pm. At that time,
the PPRR van will pick up those who have not finished that particular race.
Contact the Race Director if you want to start a race earlier than the stated
time. This recorded time will be unofficial and will not be part of award
recognition. Participant must complete one full series entirely to be considered
for any awards.
Directions:
Interstate 25 to Exit 158 (
The series consists of
four (4) progressive-in-length (LONG AND SHORT) races. The courses are gravel/
paved roads and packed trails, which may or may not be snow-packed, icy or
muddy. Altitude will vary from 6,000’ to 7,500’. Temperatures will range
from 50degs to -25degs. Races will be cancelled if extremely bad weather exists
on race day.
ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS OR BABY
STROLLERS ALLOWED ON THE COURSE. PLEASE DO NOT TRESPASS ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY.
Show respect and act like responsible guests. Parking at some venues will be at
a premium. Carpool if you can. The courses will close at 1:30pm. At that time,
the PPRR van will pick up those who have not finished that particular race.
Contact the Race Director if you want to start a race earlier than the stated
time. This recorded time will be unofficial and will not be part of award
recognition. Participant must complete one full series entirely to be considered
for any awards.
Directions:
Interstate 25 -Exit
This is one of the few women’s only races in the Pikes Peak area. Around 100 women show up for this race.
The course is mostly on well-groomed dirt trails in the park. A portion of the course is also on grass. There is one short hill, but the rest of the course is flat.
Girls under 10 years old are free!
Directions: From southbound I-25, take the Fillmore exit (Exit #145). Turn left from the exit ramp onto eastbound Fillmore. Go east about ½ mile and turn right onto Cascade. Go south on Cascade to Fontanero St. Turn right and proceed a couple of blocks west to Culebra Ave (where Fontanero ends).
From northbound I-25, take the Uintah Exit (Exit #143). Turn right from the exit ramp onto Uintah. Go a few blocks to Cascade Ave, Tejon St or Nevada Ave, depending on where you are allowed to make a left turn (due to road construction). Turn left and proceed about 6 blocks north to Fontanero. Turn left onto Fontanero and proceed a few blocks west to Culebra Ave (where Fontanero ends).
North Monument Valley Park is adjacent to Culebra Ave. From the small parking lot, walk down into the park. Watch for us at the picnic tables that are near the bathrooms or at the Nielsen Challenge starting line near the creek. There is also a playground, a ball field, and a large grassy area nearby.
Distance: 5K
Location: North Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Contact: John O'Neill, email - Corunco@aol.com
Organization: Pikes Peak Road Runners
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
Course: 5 and 10 Kilometers. Runners and fun walkers who like a challenge will enjoy this unique course at an altitude of 8,500 feet through Woodland Park. Run on paved road through the rolling wooded countryside along Rampart Range, Kelley Road and Centennial Trail.
Awards: Shirt to all participants. Awards to 1st overall male and female (5K and 10K) and the top three male and female (5K and 10K) in the following age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Team Entries: The Mayor challenges teams of four, racing in the 5K. Each team must include at least one female. Placement will be determined as cross country team.
5K Fun Walk Division (untimed): Fun walker division at the 5K distance is a popular event for both the serious and casual walkers.
For more information contact the Woodland Park Parks and Recreation Department at (719) 687-9246 or ckeating@city-woodlandpark.org.
Directions: From Colorado Springs, take Highway 24 west 20 miles to Woodland Park. In Woodland Park, turn right at the third traffic light (Fairview Avenue). Park at any of the following locations. Ute Pass Cultural Center (Fairview & Henrietta), Austins Restaurant (Laurel & Midland), Bergstrom Park (Hwy 24), City Hall (Pine & South Avenue), Memorial Park (Park & Lake), Kavanagh (Hwy 24 & West St).
Distance: 5K/10K
Location: Woodland Park, Colorado, Woodland Park, CO
Contact: Cindy Keating
Organization: Woodland Park Park & Rec
Organization's Website: http://www.pprrun.org/