Though there are dozens of reasons, this list of regional races will keep you busy during the Southwest winter and into the spring season
Across the Southwest, in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona – and beyond – the heartiest athletes don’t stop competing just because it’s wintertime. Here’s a heads’ up on a selection of winter (into spring) races that will test the fastest sneakers, skis, bikes and snowshoes. Register now as many of these races fill up fast.
2019
November 15 – 17
Monument Valley Veteran’s Marathon
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona
Marathon, Kids Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Wildcat Trail Fun Run
December 7
Chasing Santa 5K/Cycling Santa 10K
Colorado Springs, Colorado
5K Run/Walk and Cycling Santa 10K
December 5 – 8
Four Corners Monument
Marathon and Half Marathon each day beginning and ending in one of the four states
December 14, 2019
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
2020
January TBA
Estes Park Frost Giant 5k and 10k
Estes Park, Colorado
5K and 10K
January 18 – 19
Chama Chile Ski Classic & Winter Fiesta
Chama, New Mexico
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Races
January 19
El Paso Puzzler Endurance Mountain Bike Race
El Paso, Texas
15-, 35- and 50-mile races
January 25
Moab, Utah
50 Mile, 50K, Half Marathon, 9K
January 25
Leadville, Colorado
5K and 10K Snowshoe Race (Qualifier)
February 1
Sedona, Arizona
Marathon, 10K and 5K
February 8
Little Colorado River Half Marathon
Cameron, Arizona
Half Marathon and 10K
February 9
Owl Creek Chase at the Nordic Festival
Aspen, Colorado
21K Cross-Country Ski Race
February 15
Moab, Utah
33K and 55K
February 15
Grants, New Mexico
4,900 Feet Elevation Gain and 43 Miles on bikes, feet and skis
February 15
Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, Arizona
100K and 60K from Spring Valley to New River
February 29
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona
50 Mile, 50K, and Trail Half Marathon
March TBA
Leadville Ski Joring Competition
Leadville, Colorado
Horse and Rider Pull a Skier
March 7
Hurricane, Utah
Full and Half Marathon
March 13 – 15
Frozen Dead Guy Days Coffin Races
Nederland, Colorado
Coffin Racing; more
March 14, 2020
Salida, Colorado
Marathon and Half Marathon
March 21
Moab, Utah
50 Mile, 50K, 30K, and 10 Mile
April 17 – 19
Desert RATS Trail Running Festival
Fruita, Colorado
Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 50K, 10K and Kids’ Races
May 1, 2020
Shiprock, New Mexico
Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, Kids Marathon, 10K and 5K
Tips for Competing in Chilly Temps
1) Dress accordingly! It’s good strategy to dress in layers. Layer as if it’s at least 10 degrees warmer than what’s showing on the thermometer.
2) Wear fabrics that wick moisture. Sweat means wet!
3) Know what you’re getting into. Practice competing in the cold before racing in the cold.
4) Warm-up. Warming up before the start of a race will foil a cold-temperature shock to your body.
4) Stay warm. If you’ve overdressed, you can always discard clothing.
5) Keep your extremities warm. Your hands, face and head help to maintain body heat.
6) Stay hydrated.
7) Preserve glycogen reserves by starting fueled and staying fueled with carbohydrate gels, snacks and drinks.