Cherry Creek Sneak Turns 30 & Debuts 10-mile Course

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Denver’s most iconic running event celebrates a birthday, busts out new moves on April 29, 2012

DENVER—More than 10,000 hardcores and go-fasters will hit the pavement with families, kiddos, and costumes for the 30thanniversary of the beloved Cherry Creek Sneak on April 29, 2012.  Race Director and event owner, Pat Downing, recalls the Sneak’s long history, “When the event began in 1981, 5k runs were just becoming popular.  It’s funny to think – Nike was just three years old at that time!  Over the next 30 years, the Cherry Creek North district transformed into a thriving retail district, and the Sneak became Denver’s largest running event – adding a walk component, as well as five-mile and one-mile options, and wave for visually impaired athletes.  This year, we’ll hit another milestone with the addition of a 10-mile course, celebrating how far the sport of running has come and the evolution of this Denver institution.”

But it’s not the same old Sneak. What’s new:

  • An anniversary. The Sneak turns 30 this year—look for a better-than-ever post-race party with free beer, costume contest, and live music.
  • A wave for blind runners.  Last year the Sneak debuted a wave just for visually impaired athletes; it was the first such addition to any running race in the state. Event co-owner, Amy Downing, is looking forward to expanding the wave in 2012.  “Last year 15 runners participated in the wave, and they were a true inspiration! We’re excited to partner with the visually-impaired community again this year to make the event accessible to even more athletes.”
  • Sharing the road with Elvis.  In 2011 the Sneak added a costume contest component; hundreds of racers took us up on it, with a quartet dressed as the Wizard of Oz winning the prize.
  • More race to love. This year the Sneak debuts a 10-mile course, in response to the number of competitive local runners looking for more challenging events. The new longer course will include some of Denver’s most beautiful scenery, such as 7thAvenue Parkway and Cheesman Park.
About the Cherry Creek Sneak

The Cherry Creek Sneak is Sunday, April 29th, and offers run/walk courses for all levels, including 10- and 5- and 3.1-mile (5k) run/walk, 1.5-mile Sneak Sprint, and a 1⁄2-mile Kids’ Fun Run. The race kicks off at the intersection of Steele and Ellsworth and ends just blocks away at 1st and Milwaukee.

The Sneak’s after-race festivities have turned into one of Denver’s biggest block parties—post-race fun draws nearly 20,000 racers, friends, and family for live bands, great shwag, cool vendors, free beer, and a Kids’ Fun Zone sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

Registration

Race registration is $40 for adults, $20 for youth ages 17 and under, $30 for seniors ages 60 and over. These registration prices will increase after April 1, 2012. Participants may also register at the Sneak on race day.  Additional information and online registration:  www.cherrycreeksneak.com.Photos and interviews available. Contact Kim DeLashmit,[email protected].

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