Mention the Garden of the Gods to any runner and they’ll probably tell you about the beautiful sunrise on towering red rock formations. They’ll talk about the famous Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run, the camaraderie of a special event, fun aid stations and fantastic views of Pikes Peak.
And then they’ll pause, get a little serious, and admit that 10 miles in the Garden of the Gods is tough. It’s doable by any reasonably fit runner, but tough. With that in mind, organizers of the Triple Crown of Running have added a new race, the Garden of the Gods 5K.
“This new race will provide a great opportunity for people who want the Garden of the Gods experience, but who don't want to go the whole 10 miles,” said Ron Ilgen, Triple Crown Race Director.
The 5K will begin at 7:15 a.m., June 10, about 15 minutes after the start of the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run. The starting line for both races is located on El Paso Blvd. in Manitou Springs, adjacent to Memorial Park.
“We think this will be a good fit for a lot of runners,” Ilgen said. “We’re hoping that family members of the 10-mile competitors, as well as new runners looking for a first race, will try the 5K.”
The 5K route will follow the 10-mile course into the Garden of the Gods. It will pass Balanced Rock and then turn back at the 1.55-mile mark near The Garden of the Gods Trading Post.
Online registration ($25) is open at Active.com until June 8. Walk in registration ($30) will be available beginning in mid-May at the Colorado Running Company (822 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs) and at the Pikes Peak Marathon office (441 Manitou Ave., in Manitou Springs.) Race day registration is $35.
The field is limited to 300 runners, so plan to enter soon.
All finishers will receive a medal as recognition of their accomplishment. Race awards will be presented to the top three in each age group, the top five Masters runners and Top 10 overall.