‘Tis the season to turkey-trot and jingle-bell jaunt. Not a runner? Not a problem. These Front Range events are among the most welcoming in the state, encouraging newbies, families and even walkers.
Panicking Poultry 5K
November 14 Boulder
If you have to ask why the poultry are panicking, you’re clearly a vegetarian, but don’t worry, this out-and-back course at the Boulder Reservoir doesn’t discriminate against Tofurkey consumers. Or children. The race added a kid’s 1-miler this year. The mostly dirt trail along the water is flat, except for a short rise at the beginning, which is just one more reason to be thankful come Thanksgiving morn.
panickingpoultry5k.com
Gobble Wobble
November 20 Denver
Wobble your way around the back nine for 5K at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, and bring the kids. Strollers are welcome (but dogs are not). And costumes are preferred, with a prize for the most creative. Apres race activities for the kiddos include a bounce house, face painting, child safety ID kits and a visit from the local fire department. Bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Bank of the Rockies.
hallucinationsports.com
Fitness 5K Turkey Trot
November 25 Arvada
Join the personal trainers at Arvada Fitness as they race through old town Arvada, and raise money for the Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Only in it’s second year, the race saw less than 100 participants last Thanksgiving, which means it’s still small enough to relax and have fun. Or show up like a superfreak and crush the first place times from last year (17:27 for men, 20:03 for women).
arvada-fitness.com
Anthem Turkey Day 5K/10K
November 25 Broomfield
The race that starts at the Parkside Community Center has literally taken off, with 500 participants its first year and 850 it’s second. For year three, Redline Races has added a 10K. Unique prize categories, a family division and a separate kid’s race have made the run so popular, as well as a blazing fast 5K course, that some swear can’t possibly be 3.1 miles.
Turkey Rock Trot
November 25 Castle Rock
Beginning at the Douglas Country Event Center, most of this 5K course follows the Seller’s Gulch Trail. Ideal for runners, walkers, trotters and even toddlers, the race features a staggered start, sending the runners off first, then families and walkers. Proceeds benefit the Douglas Elbert Task Force and donations of non-perishable food items are encouraged. Children under 12 race for free.
rocktrot.com
Briargate YMCA/Kaiser Permanente Turkey Trot 5K
November 25 Colorado Springs
For 13 years, this turkey trot run/walk has helped raised money to support the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s Annual Partner’s Campaign, with all funds going toward providing opportunities for lower income families to participate in programs and activities that help build strong communities. Nearly 1,000 trotters participated in the 5K last year, and the free kids’ 1k that takes place 45 minutes before.
ppymca.org
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
December 12 Denver
Whether you walk or run, it’s critical that you jingle—or as the Arthritis Foundation likes to say, “be there with bells on.” At press date, Denver-area teams and individuals have already pledged $5,400 toward this 5K event, wherein thousands nationwide hit the pavement, pathways and parks to fight arthritis, America’s most common form of disability.
jinglebellrundenver.kintera.org
Resolution 5K
December 31 Denver
It’s one thing to make a resolution, quite another to run it at 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. But that’s exactly what Denver’s most admirable have been doing for the past 26 years. Participants at this year’s Wash Park event are treated to an after party sponsored by Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s, a prize raffle and a long-sleeve t-shirt. No dogs, because duh, it’s dark, and no one wants to bring in the new year tripping… at least not over a leash.
emgcolorado.com •
