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Gnarly trail awaits Spring Creek runners

Joel Reichenberger
Runners begin the 9-mile Steamboat Springs Running Series Spring Creek Memorial race Saturday. Nathan Allen won the men's side
Matt Stensland

— Runners in Steamboat Springs will get back at it Saturday morning, and this time they’ll have the chance to raise money for more of what they love.

Each Steamboat Springs Running Series race raises funds for a charity, but the Spring Creek Memorial Trail Run, set to start at 8 a.m. Saturday, is the only event in the running series that raises money for the running series.

“If you want to support us,” series Director Cara Marrs said, “this is the race to come out and do. It’s the only one that supports the series, so that’s an important part of it, too.”



There will be plenty to offer runners, no matter their level of interest in supporting the series, too.

The Spring Creek event includes two races, a 5-kilometer run along an out-and-back course on the Spring Creek Trail, and a 9-mile run that’s mostly a loop and that includes some of the gnarliest, most unique and fun terrain in the entire series.



Area runners spent time Wednesday night hacking out a path along a private and rarely maintained trail that, at one time, served as the main wagon route into Steamboat. Runners are tasked with making it up that trail, through the foliage and even over downed trees.

Marrs said the trail, on private property, is in as good of shape as it has been since it was added to the race, but it’s still not easy.

“It’s a challenge,” Marrs said. “There are rocks and trees you have to go over, but it’s so cool. It has really beautiful views and it’s really neat. We’re thankful for them letting us do the race on there.”

The 9-mile race starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K is at 8:30. Packet pick-up is from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ski Haus and registration will still be available there as well as starting at 7:15 a.m. at the race site.

The race starts near the Spring Creek reservoir and there is no parking on site. Racers are advised to park at the intersection of Maple Street and Amethyst Drive, using the high school parking lot as an overflow lot.

To reach Joel Reichenberger, call 970-871-4253, email jreichenberger@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @JReich9


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