Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — If the scenic trails atop Kremmling's cliffs aren't enough to lure runners to Saturday's Kremmling "Road Kill" Trail Races, perhaps the smell of roasted pork will.

The half-marathon and 10K trail races start at 9:30 a.m. from the Kremmling Town Square, and the race festivities end with a 1 p.m. Middle Park Meat Pig Roast Party at the Rocky Mountain Bar & Grill.

Leaving from the Town Square at 7,300 feet, the half-marathon course loops around Bureau of Land Management wilderness areas north of Kremmling to an elevation of 9,000 feet before heading back down to the Town Square finish.

"This year, it's a totally different, new course," volunteer race organizer and course designer Shawn Scholl said. "It's somewhat challenging, but not epic. I think people will be surprised by the scenery - it showcases the almost desert-like terrain that's endless single- and double-track trails with a couple of creek crossings."

The 10K course joins up with the half-marathon course atop the Kremmling Cliffs, affording runners with the same views of Gore Canyon and the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area.

Directed by the Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce, the race is part of the Steamboat Springs Running Series. As the second-to-last race of the season, points earned count toward the season's division rankings, many of which series director John Chapman said are still wide open.

"Because the race is permitted to go through private property, it gives runners a rare opportunity to get up on the cliffs and get the unique perspective of what it's like up there," Chapman said about a race he expects to attract between 50 and 60 runners.

Registration costs $20 and can be completed until noon Friday at Christy Sports, 1835 Central Place Plaza, or online at www.active.com. The cost is $25 on race day, when registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Town Square.

A $15 "no-frills" entry fee does not include a T-shirt or prizes.

Visit www.kremmlingchamber.com and www.runningseries.com for details.

- To reach Dave Shively, call 871-4253 or e-mail dshively@steamboatpilot.com