Colorado Turkey Trot Is Tradition In Every Town
For most of us Thanksgiving is about pumpkin pie, turkey, football, and of course, giving thanks. But for active people in Colorado, Thanksgiving morning usually begins with the traditional turkey trot.
Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July are easily the busiest running race days of the year, and in Colorado, a turkey trot is held in nearly every community across the state. The majority of Colorado turkey trot races are relatively short, allowing for plenty of time for regional travel, socializing, and of course, eating.
Turkey trots really vary by race. Some will be the “stroll along with the kids, dogs, strollers, teddy bear, etc” type, while others such as the race in Fort Collins bring out some pretty stiff competition. Some Colorado turkey trot races have a strong traditional aspect, such as the Longmont Turkey Trot, now in it’s 36th year. True to the spirit of the holiday, prizes at any given turkey trot is likely to be something along the lines of a turkey, a turkey-shaped prize, a pie, or in some cases, CASH (see Panicking Poultry and Fort Collins Thanksgiving Run) so you can treat all your friends to dinner. But regardless of the character or competitive level, nearly all Colorado turkey trots welcome the entire family and likely include special kids events, such as the free kids fun run at Colorado Springs’ Briargate Turkey Trot.
In addition to the fun, competition, and tradition of any Colorado turkey trot, the biggest motivation for most is calorie offset. When people know they’re planning to put in a really substantial day of eating, there’s a fair amount of incentive to help balance the calories for the day. Running in a Turkey Trot is also a wonderful way to begin, or hopefully, maintain a healthy lifestyle through the holidays. If you need help finding a turkey trot in your area, the Racing Colorado Running Calendar lists plenty of Colorado turkey trots.
But through all the running, walking and competing, it’s important to remember the real purpose of Thanksgiving. Most Colorado turkey trots are fundraisers for worthy causes, such as the Loveland Turkey Trot, supporting Stepping Stones Adult Day Care. But even if your turkey trot is just a training run or some kind of informal run with friends, remember to take just a moment to reflect on all you have to be grateful for – even if it’s just the simple fact that you can run/walk/trot/move on Thanksgiving.
Run The ‘Rocks At Colorado’s Legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre
One of Colorado’s unique 5K races takes place on the very grounds where performers such as U2, The Beatles, Rush, Sonny & Cher, and of course, John Denver have left their mark.
Now runners can test their speed on a course that traverses in and around the amphitheatre in beautiful Red Rocks Park. The race this year will be on Oct 10, and staying true to the musical theme, runners will be treated to live rock music throughout the course.
Check out this video to get a taste of Run The ‘Rocks, and be sure to visit their website for more details.
Would 3000 Tacos Get You Out To A Run?
We’re fortunate in Colorado to have a wide range of features in endurance sports events. Lots of races have their unique features, whether it’s the course, the number of participants, the competition, or the surrounding events. One race in Golden is building notoriety in, well, the tacos. Like, a lot of tacos…
The Second Wind Fund’s Walk/Run/Ride later this month has several unique features. One is that they completely dismiss commandment that all events shall begin first thing in the morning. The 12:30 start is a nice break, and provides great timing for the post-race festivities. The later start time also places the post-event festivities at a convenient time of day. After all, who wants a barbecue at 9 am? What’s more, this BBQ offers all the food you’d expect, along with music and 3000 tacos.
Yes, that’s a load of tacos. Read more
Men Chasing Women… In A Race? For Money?
The battle of the sexes takes a unique twist on this Denver 5k run. Embracing both the physiological and primal hormonal differences between men and women, the Skirtchaser 5K in Denver has $500 up for grabs in a winner-take-all race to the finish line. When the starting gun sounds, the men must wait 3 minutes while hundreds of skirts take off running. Then it’s a full on race to the finish in a winner-take-all competition, with the first across the finish line – regardless of gender – taking home $500.
The Skirtchaser 5k race brings up numerous questions of fairness. Is it fair to give women a 3 minute head start in a 5k run? Is it wrong to make (let) women run well while being chased by a bunch of sweaty, panting men? As a male, is it not the ultimate cruelty to be placed in the position of chasing what he desires (dolled up in an athletic skirt, no less) yet knowing he’ll never catch her? Talk about living the perspective of those dogs at the race tack!
Actually, this one will be more of a flirty affair. An environment where you’re more likely to hear, “Oops, you caught me – here’s my phone number… call me!†and less likely to hear, “I caught you! Wait! Don’t taze me!!†Regardless of your libido level, it’s a rare chance for both genders to experience the thrill of the chase.
With a post-race block party that includes happy-hour style food and drinks, dating games, music and a fashion show, this unique Colorado race the evening of August 29th is sure to be a memorable one. Visit www.skirtchaser5k.com for details.
Loveland Classic 10K, 5K Shows Promise
Kids & parents testing their mettle
With the exception of a mismarked 5k route, the Loveland Classic at Centerra is turning into a solid race in northern Colorado. With over 320 finishers between the 5K and 10K, the race is building on its previous success. Held at the autoplex at Centerra, the course was good, and the clear weather at an early 7:30 start helped make it a nice summertime race. There were also a .5 mile and 1 mile run for the kids as part of the Healthy Kids Series (check out our Facebook page to see some pictures). With a very family-friendly post race expo with food, and some kind of non-dairy frozen non-ice cream – it really was tasty – , it’s a great family event.
Race organizers did commit that ultimate (and unforgivable to some) sin of a mis-marked 5K course, causing some to run off course before being rerouted back on track. The organizers responded as appropriately as they could in a situation like that, adjusting the times of all affected. While they may lose some fans for the error, the field would not be considered one of the fastest (take note, age groupers looking for a podium spot!). An errant course is something that most races don’t repeat more than once (don’t bring up Colfax Marathon here…), and assuming course markings will be double and triple checked next year, the race will continue to grow and become a highlight on the northern Colorado runner’s annual calendar.
Upcoming Colorado Events- Ralston Creek Half Marathon
- Valentine`s Day 5K
- 3W Heart Throb Run 5K
- Cupid`s Undie Run
- Love `em or Leave `em Valentine`s Day 5K Run/Walk
- Dick`s Sporting Goods Loveland Sweetheart Classic
- Dick`s Sporting Goods Loveland Sweetheart Classic
- HRCA Sunday Bloody Sunday 5k Challenge
- Super Bowl 5K
- Gold Rush Nordic Race Series
- Super Sunday Fun Run 5K
- SnowDash Extreme 5K / Echo Mnt. Colorado
- 5 k Moonlight Snowshoe
Oakley Offer