Greenland, CO--Discover who is the fastest trail runner in Colorado on Saturday, May 4. The Greenland Trail 50K has been awarded the designation as Colorado’s State Championship 50K by the Road Runners Club of America. Runners from throughout the state can compete for overall and age group awards. The race will take place at Greenland Open Space Park in southern Douglas County, south of Castle Rock, just off I-25.

The Greenland 50K is currently celebrating its ninth year. In addition to enjoying a wide dirt trail race that travels Colorado’s Front Range Trail, runners and walkers will receive an innovative technical running shirt in both men’s and women’s sizing, a 50K finisher’s medal, chip timing, and a party-like atmosphere at the finish with delicious food and drink, including muffins, pretzels, cookie, and pizza. The race also offers a 25K distance and an 8 mile distance for runners and walkers.

“Last year we welcomed record crowds to event,” said Derek Griffiths, race director. “We had nearly 800 finishers at the trail running festival, which has filled for the past five years.”

Race winners will be awarded running shoes by LaSportiva. Also, the Boulder Running Company has donated $1,500 in gift certificates that will be given to the top three runners in every age group. The Boulder Running Company is also providing in-store registration at three locations: Littleton, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. The Greenland Trail is a very fast course and also very beginner friendly.

Griffiths said the event needs additional volunteers to help with race registration, water stations, and the finish line. All volunteers will receive an official race shirt, as well as a free entry into another race that Colorado Runner Events produces, which includes the Santa Stampede 5K and 10K, Frosty’s Frozen 5 and 10, and the Snowman Stampede 5 Mile and 10 Mile. Anyone who would like to help is encouraged to click here to start the process.

The trail running festival benefits the Douglas Land Conservancy. The Douglas Land Conservancy is a non-profit land trust dedicated to the protection and conservation of the natural character, habitat, and open space of the central Front Range region of Colorado, including Douglas County and surrounding areas.

The series is sponsored by the Boulder Running Company, LaSportiva, Hammer Nutrition, Road ID, Gatorade, Power Bar, Belvita Breakfast Bisquits and Colorado Runner Magazine.

Entries are available online and at the Boulder Running Company. For more information on the races, visit www.greenland50k.com.