Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The future of the Hot Springs Short Cut Run is in jeopardy if a race director isn't found in time to plan the May 24 event, Steamboat Springs running series race director Emily Conjura said.

Entering its 19th year, the Hot Springs run is unique in that participants run, walk or mountain bike on any path they choose from the downtown springs up to Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

"It's always been a fun, locals event," former race director Pat West said.

West headed up the race for the past three years but resigned this season. He initially took over because, as a mountain biker, he enjoyed providing local bikers with a race in town.

West also said, however, that he did not have the time to continue heading up the race.

The race director's duties include coordinating a post-race brunch, finding sponsors for post-race prizes, arranging for race T-shirts, establishing a timing system for results and working with representatives at both hot springs destinations.

Race participation numbers are below 100 and no roads need to be closed, so the process of obtaining a city permit isn't necessary for the Hot Springs Short Cut Run.

West said he would be happy to lend advice and answer any questions. He can be reached at 871-9384.

It is worth noting that participation numbers have declined in recent years. The Hot Springs Short Cut Run falls during Memorial Day weekend.

It is also one week before the Steamboat Marathon, so promoting the event and urging racers to attend proved to be one of West's toughest tasks.

"There might be someone out there that wants to do something like this and just doesn't know that an opportunity exists," Conjura said. "We need someone to step up pretty soon."

Conjura added that anyone interested in taking over as director or anyone with further questions should contact her at 870-4480 or visit www.runningseries.com.