High Points: Trotting season
High Points
On Tuesday, it snows.
On Wednesday, the sun shines.
And on Thursday, it’s a bit of both.
That’s the way May — the new April — has been so far, this year. Mother Nature is a bit undecided on which direction she wants to go. Hopefully, as we are on the cusp of June, the temperatures will get back up into the 60s where they belong. It was in the low 20s at my mountain abode on Wednesday morning, and the trees were covered in ice.
All of which makes it hard for many of us to commence the running and cycling season. I have seen fewer runners and cyclists on the roads thus far this spring, save for the hearty bunch who are part of the Aspen Cycling series events on Wednesday evenings. And when I take my runs, I am rarely joined by fellow trotters.
Yes, it’s a little lonely out there.
Other than occasional bouts of unseasonal weather, this valley is a perfect place to be a runner. With all the amazing trails, the running support groups, and a summer race calendar that has events for all levels of runners — from 5K road races for trotters to back-country marathons for maniacs — it is pretty ideal.
The first Saturday in June, which would be June 1 this year, hosts the kick-off event of the summer running season: the Basalt Half Marathon. You can register online at basalthalfmarathon.com/registration or show up early on race day. Oh, and there is an option to tag team the race with relay teams of two racers, each of whom runs half the half.
This is the 47th running of the race that is the ultimate locals, mom-and-pop event. The event benefits the Basalt High School Cross Country program and is about as low-key as road races get. Runners ride yellow school buses from the Basalt Middle School (They depart at 7 a.m. sharp), 13.1 miles up Frying Pan Road to just below the Ruedi Dam. The race travels downhill along the Frying Pan River on the road, descending a gradual 1,000 feet. It is stunningly gorgeous and peaceful and, as far as half marathons go, reasonably friendly for in-shape runners.
Perhaps the most famed race of our local running season is Boogies Buddy Race, which takes place on July 4 for the 38th year. If there is a see-and-be-seen race in Aspen, this would be it. And be aware that this year the 5-miler, 5K, and family one–mile fun run will move to a starting location in the Rio Grande Park. The new course has yet to be released, but you can register and keep up to date at buddyprogram.org/boogiesbuddyrace.
Run the Boogie 5, and you can use it as part of your speed training for the Aspen Valley Marathon, which takes place this year on July 13. That’s 50 days from today if you are counting. Another stunningly beautiful race with an attractive downhill feature, this marathon starts in Wagner Park and heads down valley to a finish line in the Basalt Lions Park.
There is also a half marathon, which starts behind the solar array at the W/J Ranch and finishes in Basalt, as well. And for those who just want to get out amongst ’em, there is also a 5K, which begins and ends in Lions Park. For those who are looking for it, this race also serves as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. From Basalt to Boston, you gotta love it. You can register at aspenvalleymarathon.com.
And, of course, the Ute Mountaineer Golden Leaf Half-Marathon sold out the day registration opened on May 6. This race is one of the nation’s most beautiful and takes runners overhill and dale through the woods from Snowmass to Aspen on Sept. 28 at the height of the fall colors. If you ever get a chance to run it, do so. It’s on every half marathoner’s bucket list.
Enjoy your running season … whenever it ever gets started.
