Runners who missed their opportunity to run in today's Rattler Trail Races can transfer their race registration to the Cheyenne Mountain Trail Race 50K, 25K and 10K on Saturday, April 23, in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, event organizers have announced.

Info about the Cheyenne Mountain Trail Race.

Rattler race director Justin Ricks was forced to cancel his event as a blizzard blew in about an hour before the race start.

"I didn't know what else to do," Ricks said. "It was going to be dangerous for runners and volunteers, and for people driving here. I was out in the snow for about an hour and I was freezing."

Rattler runners interested in participating in the Cheyenne Mountain Trail Race (CMTR) are asked to e-mail Ricks at jtruns@yahoo.com. Race packets (and T-shirt) can be picked up on Thursday (1-7 p.m.) and Friday (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at the Colorado Running Company, 5262 N. Nevada Ave, Ste 104, in Colorado Springs, or on race-day morning at Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

"Any of us can be snowed out in these springtime races, so we're happy to offer the Rattler runners the opportunity to join us," said Tim Bergsten, CMTR co-race director. "My experience is that the Colorado Springs running community, like many others, is inclusive and supportive. This is an easy decision. The Rattler runners just need to pick up their bib and line up on the starting line."

As a second option, Rattler runners can transfer 50 percent of their fees to another Mad Moose event. About 225 had registered for what was to be the second running of the Rattler.

Bergsten and co-race director Michael Pharis took over the CMTR in 2015 and are preparing for the sixth-annual event at the popular state park a few miles south of Colorado Springs.

Ricks and his wife Denise served as timers for the 2015 CMTR and are scheduled to do the same this year. And they have graciously donated their timing fees to Achilles Pikes Peak, the CMTR's non-profit partner. Ricks said he'll donate aid station supplies and provide the use of other equipment to the CMTR this year, as needed.

CMTR online registration continues through Wednesday. Runners can also register at the Colorado Running Company on Thursday and Friday, and on race day morning.

Anyone interested in supporting Achilles Pikes Peak, which works to help folks with various disabilities to live active lives, can make a cash donation on race day.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please contact tim.bergsten@gmail.com.