Weather Shortens Paint Mines Trail Race

This year, the TEVA Paint Mines Trail Race in Calhan, CO had some weather to contend with. In fact, a storm rolled in a little before the 6:00 p.m. start and then the rain started. The hail started. The wind blew. It rained some more. The wind picked up. After about 40 minutes, the rain died down and the skies started to clear, but not enough for race organizers to be comfortable sending runners out into the distant paths of the Paint Mines Park where lightning was visible in the distance. In addition, the creek bed flooded during the storm and was draining, but still rather muddy. The race was shortened to just under two miles and provided two quick out and backs. Some hills were still included in the course, and the finishers all seemed to enjoy the route, the prizes at the finish line, and the post-race refreshments. We hope next year the weather cooperates!

Thanks to Dan Cleveland, who is a part-time race announcer and the executive director for the Trails and Open Space Coalition, for braving the storm in his car while he watched his sound system topple over. We hope it is repairable. Thanks to John O’Neill who provided the scoring and results and also watched from his car as his clock took a tumble. Did we mention it was windy?

This event served as a fundraiser for the American Trail Running Association, a 501 (c ) 3 not for profit corporation based in Colorado Springs whose mission is to represent and promote trail and mountain running. We appreciate the support of our race sponsors – Teva, our title sponsor, for providing runner numbers, great recyclable bags for all competitors, banners, and gift certificates for race prizes. University of the Rockies, based in Colorado Springs offering Doctor of Psychology and Master of Psychology degree program, was a new sponsor this year. Colorado Running Company for serving as race headquarters and to John for providing accurate and timely results, Colorado Runner magazine for providing gift subscriptions as prizes, and SmartWool for providing really great 100% Merino Wool shirts for prizes. Much appreciation to the Calhan Volunteer Fire Department for being on site, to Tim Stickle and the El Paso County Fair staff for their support, El Paso County Parks for providing such an awesome venue, and Boy Scout Troop 14, who each year manage to go above and beyond to help make the event a success.