Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Creativity may not help competitors win the Steamboat Sprint, but it certainly won't go unnoticed.

Held on Lincoln Avenue immediately before the Fourth of July parade, the 400-yard Steamboat Sprint has turned into a spectator-friendly event as thousands have lined the streets to cheer on the several dozen or so competitors the event averages annually.

Held on July 4, participants are encouraged to let their holiday sprit shine through.

"They can run in whatever they want," race organizer Christina Freeman said. "But we encourage them to wear red, white and blue."

How those runners choose to show their colors is where things could get interesting. Freeman said she has seen a two-foot tall Uncle Sam top hat in the past.

"It's definitely a festive event," she said.

The race begins Thursday at 9:40 a.m. and those interested can register at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Ninth Street between 9 and 9:30 a.m. There are four different age groups for each gender. The kids 10 and under will race first, followed by the 11-16, 17-40 and 40-plus divisions.

All age divisions will run from the corner of Ninth Street and Lincoln Avenue to the courthouse.

Freeman said the cost for all participants is $3. The winners in each age division will receive a gift certificate from the chamber, and everyone entered is eligible for the prize drawings following the race.

The Steamboat Sprint immediately precedes the Fourth of July Parade scheduled to begin downtown around 10 a.m.

The Steamboat Sprint is part of the Steamboat Springs Running Series, so those entered in the series will receive points accordingly.

To reach Melinda Mawdsley call 871-4208 or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com