Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — It’s far from the easiest Steamboat Springs Running Series event, but that doesn’t mean the Hayden Cog Run doesn’t have its charm.

As one of the longest standing and consecutively run races in the Running Series, the Cog Run brings competitors back year after year.

“Whether it’s people saying it has been 23 years or 26 years, it has that kind of tradition,” race director Jill Delay said. “I just keep hearing stories about it.”

The event, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, features the namesake Cog Run as well as a 5-kilometer run. Both races begin at Hayden Town Park.

The 5-kilometer goes south from there and travels on paved roads. The Cog Run starts at the park, goes north and up Routt County Road 76. The first mile is flat but then the course climbs to the top of the bluffs that overlook town.

“We definitely encourage people to come out,” Running Series Director Cara Marrs said. “We need people to come out.”

Preregistration is available at www.runningseries.com, at Hayden Town Hall and at Ski Haus in Steamboat. Registration at Town Hall and Ski Haus ends at noon Friday. Online registration ends at 6 p.m. Friday. The cost is $25.

Preregistration is encouraged so race directors can provide enough food for participants.

Day-of registration costs $30 and is available from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the race.

Point system updated

The Running Series has adjusted its point system for the 2012 season. Most races and distances will be pointed for the 2012 season rather than picking only one distance to point.

A big change is that in order to be eligible for an end-of-season points series age group or overall title, runners must run the longer distance of at least two events.

For a complete breakdown of which races will be pointed and the specific rules, go to the points tab at www.runningseries.com.

To reach Luke Graham, call 970-871-4229 or email lgraham@SteamboatToday.com