Registration Open for the 2009 Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race

Colorado Springs, CO ---- With a tagline, “Once is not enough,” the 2009 Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race presented by WalMart, is sure to be a challenging yet fun trail running event for novice to elite participants. Slated for Sunday, July 26, 2009, the event is open to all levels of competitors.

The course starts at the Stratton Open Space Trailhead in North Cheyenne Cañon, connects with the Gold Camp Path, joins up with the Chutes, follows the east side of the reservoir, back up Gold Camp Path for the loop (men run three loops, women and junior men two loops), then back down to the finish. The race is limited to 200 participants. There are two separate race starts with the women running an 8 kilometer course at 7:00 a.m. and the men racing 12 kilometers at 8:30 a.m. (junior men – ages 19 and under – will run the 8 kilometer route).

“Whether a runner is new to the trails, or a seasoned veteran, the course for the Cheyenne Cañon Mountain Race caters to every ability. We set a course that will be challenging, yet very runable. It offers great scenery and terrain that ranges from wide gravel paths to single-track terrain including both ascents, level spots, and descents. Being a loop course, the spectators can enjoy seeing their favorite runners more than once on the route,” says Nancy Hobbs, Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association and race director.

This first-year event is presented by WalMart with additional local support from ERA Shields brokers Marzolf/Blessing, Champion Health, Bristol Brewing, and Colorado Running Company. National sponsors joining the effort include SportHill and Teva. Registration is available at www.imathlete.com, in person at Colorado Running Company, 833 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, or through the mail by downloading an entry form at www.trailrunner.com. The pre-race fee is $30 through May 31, $35 from June 1 – July 25 and $40 on race day – if space available.

The event serves as a selection race for the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team with the top two men and the top two women (must be current USATF members and USA citizens) earning spots on this year’s team which will compete in Italy this September for Team USA. It is the final team selection race – the first being the USA Mountain Running Championships on June 28 in North Conway, NH where the top three men and top woman will be named to the team. A prize purse of $1500 will be awarded (distributed between the top five men and top five women – must be current USATF members and USA citizens) and age group awards will be presented in 10 year increments. There will be random prize drawings for all participants and volunteers.
Every participant will receive a commemorative USA Mountain Running cowbell, post race refreshments, accurate results, and for those 21 and older – a beer certificate from Bristol Brewing.

Not only is the event a fundraiser for the American Trail Running Association, but also serves as a fundrasier for the Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon and Stratton Commons. Individuals may donate, as part of their registration, to any of these non-profit organizations.
For more information on the event visit www.trailrunner.com.