Events
Race Results
2023 Race Results can be found here throughout race day.
2022 Results can be found here.
2021 Race Results can be found below. Thank you to everyone for a great day!
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Description
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend and the lighting of Christmas Mountain in Salida with a 5 mile and 1 mile race! The 5 mile course begins and ends by Riverside Park in downtown Salida. Race course is very scenic and mostly flat (around 160 feet of elevation gain) and takes place on city and county roads and gravel or concrete pedestrian paths. This event is designed for all runners, and we encourage all ages and abilities to come out! Packet pickup, post race drinks and snacks, and awards will also take place in Riverside Park in downtown Salida.
Race begins at 10am, giving participants time to sleep in after Thanksgiving, and then relax with friends and family before heading back to downtown Salida for the lighting of Christmas Mountain. Festivities in town associated with this event include the annual Christmas Mountain parade, beginning at 6pm, followed by fireworks. This is one of Salida's biggest and most celebratory nights each year.
The goals of this event are to encourage health, fitness, fun, and community connection around the Thanksgiving holiday; to offer another competitive racing opportunity in Chaffee County; and to raise money during the holiday season for the Chaffee County Community Foundation. Prize money will be offered to the top finishers (TBD in 2024, but 2023 was the following:) top 3 M/F overall ($150/$100/$75), along with the first place M/F masters runner ($100).
There will also be a one mile run, which will begin at approximately 10:05am. Participants will run down Sackett Avenue, turn around after 1/2 mile, and head back to the finish line. This race will be timed, all competitors will receive a participant ribbon, and post race snacks are included.
For more information or if you're interested in sponsoring or volunteering at this event, please contact Kristy Falcon at christmasmountainrun@gmail.com.
Race Contact Info
Place
Salida, CO US 81201
Course Map
Race course is a 5 mile loop (closer to 4.9 miles) that begins and ends on Sackett Avenue in downtown Salida by the front of the Scout Hut. This is a mostly flat and scenic course with 158 feet of elevation gain/loss. There may be a few snowy or icy spots on the course. Runners will head west on Sacket Ave, then continue onto the Salida river trail and path. Continue on the river trail, cross CR 175, and continue to head west on the river trail. Head up a short uphill to the road towards Franz Lake, follow the paved road, and then head all the way around Franz Lake on gravel paths, coming back to the Franz Lake parking area. Head uphill on the pedestrian path to Crestone Avenue. Cross Crestone Avenue, and head east on the Salida Trail System (paved bike path), then continue east on Crestone Avenue past the county courthouse. Cross the street to the sidewalk, then cross the street again by Safeway to return to the bike path, following it to Sackett Ave. Turn right and return east towards the Scout Hut. Race course is a mix of paved roads, dirt or gravel paths, and paved bike paths. All roads and other paths will be open to other users, including vehicle traffic, throughout the event.
Directions
Race Participant Survey
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