Having Fun, Getting Out There, and Giving Back – It’s What the YMCA is All About
It’s that time of year again! The season of having fun, running (or walking), and giving back. It’s time for the annual YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region 5K Race Series.
Running for over a decade now, the YMCA 5k Race Series consists of three races: The Creepy Crawl, The Turkey Trot, and The Jingle Jog. The Halloween-themed Creepy Crawl 5K will be held on the Santa Fe Trail in Palmer Lake on Saturday, October 28; The Turkey Trot 5K will be held at the Briargate YMCA as usual on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23; and The Jingle Jog 5k will be held in Fountain at the Fountain-Fort Carson High School on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Fun for the whole family, the YMCA 5K Race Series, which tops 5,000 participants annually, raises money to ensure all individuals and families in the Pikes Peak Region can access programs such as child care, swim lessons, and youth sports.
Referring to the events, YMCA CEO Boyd Williams said, “We are so proud of our long-standing YMCA 5k Race Series as it raises funds to support so many families in the Pikes Peak Region each year. Whether helping kids get involved in sports, summer camps, or swimming lessons, providing much-needed outreach to our seniors in the community, or perhaps free childcare to families that need it most, our YMCA Race Series raises much-needed funds for the community. We love how participants dress up in costumes, bring their little ones in strollers, and furry ones on leashes – it’s three great chances to give back to our wonderful community while getting a little exercise.”
Registration is now open for all three races. Participants who sign up for all three at once will receive a special commemorative gift at packet pick up for the first race. All three courses are stroller and dog-friendly, and each race has a free kids’ fun run. Groups are encouraged, and as usual, so are costumes! To learn more about this year’s race series and sign up, visit ppymca.org/raceseries.
