Cold weather and new snow did not deter 44 dedicated runners who accepted the challenge of a new CMRA cross country race during a typically frigid Stock Show season in Denver. Friday night's snow storm left behind an inch of fresh snow on the race course around the plush soccer fields of Aurora Sports Park and the open space bordering it to the south and west. Thankfully, the morning of the race though cold dawned clear and sunny with little wind.

The short loop course started at Coal Creek Arena to the south of the Sports Park and wound to the northwest on a dirt trail parallel to the creek, then looped back to the start across the lawns bordering the soccer fields. There were two creek crossings, one of which was iced over and the other dry. One unique feature of the course was a narrow hundred yard-long corridor formed by willow shrubs toward the end of the circuit. What would have been an easy, fast run in summer conditions was made more difficult with a covering of icy, crusty leftovers of December snows and a fresh coat of powder. Racers had the option to run 1, 2, or 3 challenging laps in this quiet, rustic setting.

At dawn as I set out the course marker cones on the 4 kilometer loop course, a pair of hawks cried plaintively, disturbed from their icy roost in the trees along the creek. Soon laughter and conversation warmed the pre-race atmosphere, and the bright sun helped to keep things pleasant. At the start the trio of David Rothenburger, Adam Feerst, and Keith Johnson moved quickly ahead of the pack. Halfway through the first lap, Adam took the lead from David, with Keith in tow. Adam continued to set the pace through 2-1/2 laps of the 3 lap 12K race. With 2 kilometers to go, Keith surged to the front and powered on to victory in a time of 52:44, finishing one minute and five seconds ahead of Adam. Karen Voss took honors for the women in a time of 61:01. Of the runners who chose the 2 lap 8K race, Nate Wangerin finished first in 38:59, with Kathy Johnson first among women in 48:36. Deborah Acree won the 4K event outright in a time of 24:17, edging Rich Romero by 6 seconds.

Racers and volunteers who waited for the prize drawing after the race benefited from a bevy of baked goods provided by the generous folks at Great Harvest Bread. A feast of gift certificates was offered by Boulder Running Company of Littleton, Runners Roost of Lakewood, Runners Roost of Aurora, and Running Wild of Littleton. Runners Roost of Denver provided a complement of hats and socks.

Here's a big thank you to volunteers Connie Ahrnsbrak, Rosalie Murch, Joe Sanchez, Tom Alison, Ken Simons, Rich Romero, Emil Ewing, Mike Vanoni, and last but not least my lovely better half Lu and kids Shannon and Sam. For help in putting this new race together, I'd like to extend a special thanks to Rob Fisher for his work researching the regulation of the race setting, exploring and designing the course with me, and measuring it several times in different configurations, both by bike and by GPS. I would be remiss if I did not mention the supportive folks with the City of Aurora without whom this race could not have happened, especially Shelby Davis, Open Space Special Events Coordinator, and Dan Adams, Manager of Aurora Sports Park. You all made putting together this event a real thrill!