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As the sun climbs higher in the sky, it’s time to start ramping up mileage on your running schedule. Whether you’re training for a mountain run or dreaming of finishing your first marathon, signing up for one (or all!) of these events will keep you moving throughout mud season.
Bunny Bolt
What: Your choice of a 5K, 10K, or kids’ 1K run, plus an Easter egg hunt, face painting, and other festive fun in City Park.
When: April 4, 2015
How: Online registration is open until April 2. Prices are $40 for the 5K, $45 for the 10K, and $10 for the 1K (kids 12 and under).
Tip: Dress in layers for this early-season event—and don’t forget your bunny ears.
MuckFest MS
What: Slip, slide, run, or crawl your way through this 5K mud and obstacle course at Larkspur’s Music Mountain Amphitheater.
When: May 16, 2015
How: Online registration accepted until race day. Register early; the price climbs from $65 to $105 on March 4.
Tip: Over 90 percent of runners compete in teams, so invite your friends, pick a ‘punny’ name, and start mucking together.
Winter Park Half Marathon
What: A 13.1-mile-long loop on mostly dirt roads, with spectacular scenery to distract you on the climbs.
When: April 4, 2015
How: Online registration is already open. The early bird price of $50 ends March 31.
Tip: The route climbs above 9,500 feet, so include a few high training runs the month before this event.
Kendall Mountain Run
What: Dating back to a 1908 bar bet, this 12-mile challenge climbs a 13,066-foot-high mountain near Silverton, then descends to a post-race BBQ.
When: July 18, 2015
How: Online registration is open through July 19. It’s $40 for the 12-miler, which increases to $45 after May 22.
Tip: This high-elevation, uphill climb is all about pacing yourself.
Mt. Sneffels Marathon
What: One of the country’s most scenic runs traverses the scenery around Ouray, the Switzerland of America. Choose from an out-and-back marathon or a one-way half.
When: August 8, 2015
How: Online registration is now open. It’s $75 for the full, and $55 for the half.
Tip: This is a great event for first-timers—walkers are welcome on both courses, and the half follows a mostly downhill route.
(Running not your thing? Check out five rides to start training for now.)
