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.