With the leaves falling, weather changing and snow on the way, you may be thinking your opportunities for outdoor exercise are limited. Here come the days of, at best, monotonous treadmill running and, at worst, weekend-long Netflix marathons. Well, there is a special group of people who do not share this outlook. This brave group busts out their wool socks, gloves and beanies to join others like them in a race toward the ultimate rewards of pumpkin pie, turkey and, if they’re lucky, some hot adult beverages. Join them this winter at one of these races taking place, snow or shine.
Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K
When: Saturday, Nov. 21
Time: 5K starts at 9 a.m., 10K starts at 10:30 a.m.
Where: City Park
Cost: 5K is $30, 10K is $40
The Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K will be at City Park, at the corner of York Street and 17th Avenue. This race, for all ages and skill levels from walkers to runners, is a flat and fast course that benefits different charities and organizations throughout the region. Finishers get a race logo shirt and get to attend the finish line expo with vendors and food. Most importantly, they get a piece of pumpkin pie, which we all know is what we’re running for.
If you have an organization you’d like to raise money for, Colorado Runner Events makes a donation of $10 for every team member to teams of over 10 people. You must pre-register as a team.
Denver Turkey Trot
When: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26
Time: Race starts at 10 a.m.
Where: Washington Park
Cost: $45
Earn your Thanksgiving dinner this year at the 42nd Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot. The four-mile run/walk will be taking place right in DU’s backyard, at Washington Park. This race has different groups for varying speeds of racers, so you can be competitive or take it easy depending on your skill level. Registration costs go toward the United Way, which focuses on families, children’s literacy and education. Every participant gets a t-shirt and entry into the pre- and post-race expos. The pre-race expo will have music, vendors and coffee. The post-race expo will have free stuff and a Great Divide beer garden. You’ll feel good about your contribution to the cause and about all the extra turkey calories you burned.
Santa Stampede
When: Saturday, Dec. 12
Time: 5K starts at 9 a.m., 10K starts at 10:15 a.m.
Where: Littleton Hudson Gardens
Cost: 5K is $30, 10K is $40
Located at the Hudson Gardens in Littleton, off of Santa Fe Drive right across from Arapahoe Community College, the Santa Stampede will incorporate the natural beauty of winter with a fun and fitness-filled morning. The track runs along the South Platte River and is open to walkers or runners. Participants get a logo t-shirt as well as a Santa hat, Runner’s Roost gift certificate awards and they get to attend the expo with food and vendors at the finish line. A post-race party will also take place with drinks and snacks.
Don’t get stuck in the winter rut. Grab a few friends and head to these races, all within a half-hour drive of DU. You’ll feel better about your health, your community and the season.
