Trail runners who want to get out of town for a few days and put in some fun miles at a great event should consider the XTERRA Snow Mountain Ranch Trail Runs, Aug.27-28 at the Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA near Winter Park.

"One of the neat things about this is that you can stay at the same location as the race," said Shawn Finley, co-race director. "There is camping, cabins and hotels nearby. You can literally get up in the morning and walk to the starting line."

XTERRA Snow Mountain Ranch Trail Run

Situated on more than 5,000 acres, the ranch's on-site summer activities include horseback riding, hiking, biking, canoeing, a zip line and a variety of family programs, plus easy access to nearby fishing, boating and rafting.

There will be two races, a 10K beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27; and a 20K scheduled for 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.

Register for the Snow Mountain Ranch races

Runners will negotiate single track and nordic ski trails, as well as some double track and gravel roads. Finley said the course contains plenty of rolling terrain at about 9,000 feet elevation, with no big hills to ascend.

Those who register online now can enter "jqrunner" as the code and receive $10 off the registration cost.

Volunteers needed: Sign up to volunteer for the XTERRA Snow Mountain Ranch Trail Races. The first 15 volunteers to contact Shawn Finley, 719-761-2291 will camp for free at Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, CO.

Read about Snow Mountain Ranch