Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Turkey Trot may seem like any other running race in Steamboat Springs, but series director Lisa Barbour is hoping that the 87 runners who competed last year plan to make the race a Thanksgiving tradition.

“We had 87 runners, three uni­­cycles, more than a few baby strollers and lots of dogs,” Bar­­bour said about last year’s event. “It was sunny, but it was cold. But everyone said they had a good time.”

The forecast for this year’s event is filled with cold and snow, but Bar­­bour said many local runners al­­ready have com­­mitted to take part in the event by registering early and she is optimistic about a strong race-day turnout.

“The people who have committed are enthusiastic about the race,” Barbour said. “They know what the weather can be like this time of year, but they still show up and are ready to go.”

This is the second year for the Steamboat Springs Running Series race, but Barbour said there are similar races held across the country. She said many people are looking for something to do on the holiday and the idea of running before sitting down at the dinner table for a feast of holiday treats is appealing.

The Turkey Trot consists of a 4.6-mile course that will start in front of Steamboat Springs High School, continue through Strawberry Park and back. The event benefits LIFT-UP of Routt County and runners are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations. For the first time this year, the event will feature an adaptive division, as well.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. and runners should dress for the cold temperatures. The cost is $15 for adults, and children pay their age to age 15. Runners can register at www.runningseries.com until 6 p.m. today or at Ski Haus until noon today. Runners also can register at the start the day of the race beginning at 8 a.m.

The race is the second of five in the winter series. Upcoming events include the Love the Run You’re With 10K on Feb. 13 and the Moonlight 10K on March 13. The Steamboat Pentathlon, scheduled for March 5, also has been added to the lineup of events.

— To reach John F. Russell call 871-4209 or e-mail jrussell@steamboatpilot.com,