Event Description

Starting at La Veta Town Park along Oak Street, this year's out and back half marathon course should virtually guarantee the elusive "negative split" - with a gradual outbound ascent totaling 756 feet of elevation gain and a smooth, even downhill cruise when the first half work is done. It is noteworthy that the outbound terminal point of the course on CO 12, the Scenic Highway of Legends, is reached just BEFORE the road to Cuchara begins to climb significantly and this is arguably at the most scenic area of the famed Highway of Legends with the stone dike formations looming to the east. The route was designated a National Scenic Byway in February of 2021!

If you're not ready for a half marathon, also available is a Fun Run option, beginning at La Veta Town Park and returning along the same course for the Half Marathon. Get some exercise and fresh air in lovely La Veta!

Additional course notes:

The Half Marathon outbound portion (primarily southbound from the Town Park) is 6.9 miles and includes a short “spur” that extends approximately two tenths of a mile from Highway 12 on Grandote Drive to Nina Drive, returning to Highway 12 before continuing southward. The return from the Dikes scenic turnout point on the Highway of the Legends DOES NOT include the spur. Consequently, the returning portion of the course is 6.2 miles (10K) to the starting point in La Veta Town Park (along Oak Street just north of W. Ryus Avenue).

New this year is the 2-person Half Marathon Relay for running partners willing to provide their own transportation/logistics to compete against others who enjoy the teamwork element of racing. The outbound leg (for the strongest runner) is 6.9 miles with a mostly gradual upward elevation run (756 ft. gain) to the legendary dikes geologic formations at the tourist drive turnout on Highway 12. The return leg is a gradual downhill 10K (6.2 miles) back to the race starting point in La Veta Town Park on Oak Street just north of West Ryus Ave.

Important Notes for the 2-person Relay

• A TEAM NAME must be provided coinciding with registration. (e.g., Two Fast Striders or Danny & Melanie United).
• Relay participants will carry and handoff a timing strap/bracelet as you pass over the electronic timing mats.
• Ensure that the strap/bracelet is collected by race officials immediately after the second runner completes the race.

COVID-19 Precautions

In the event that COVID-19 precautions are still necessary, the 2021 Spanish Peaks Half Marathon / Relay / Fun Run is prepared to make these arrangements to enhance your safety:

✓ Out and back course to avoid shuttling and carpooling to the start 

✓ Individualized (one minute apart) start times with adjusted electronic chip finish time - creating a physically distanced rather than a group start. You will be assigned a unique start time based on the order of registration. (e.g., 8:30, 8:31, 8:32...) A standard group start will be used should COVID-19 restrictions no longer apply.

✓ 10 foot distancing passing rule which is easily achieved on the course 

✓ Availability of hand sanitizer, frequent sanitizing of surfaces including porta-potties, tables, etc.

✓ Water will be available but runners may elect to provide their own refreshments as many do for their training runs.

✓ Participants are invited to offer other suggestions to accommodate their special needs. (Email us and we will consider your ideas, e.g., home made bibs)

Event details and schedule

Packet pickup begins at 7:00 AM Sunday September 19 at the La Veta Town Park or pick up your packet Saturday September 18 from 2-6 PM at Two Peaks Fitness, 216 S Main St in La Veta.  

The Half Marathon and Half Marathon Relay take place on September 19, with a start time of 8:30 am (staggered if necessary), starting and ending at the La Veta Town Park.

The Fun Run begins at 9:00 am, also on September 19.

Parking in La Veta is available at the Town Park and by the Visitors' Center just north of the park.

Register onsite after September 15.

Fee: Half Marathon $50 ($45 for early registration); Half Marathon $70 (per team of 2); 5K $20

The temperature should be comfortable for wearing jogging shorts, but be sure to check the weather forecasts for the possibility of rain, although rain is more likely in the late afternoon in the morning.

The run will be held rain or shine and there are no refunds or roll fowards to future runs. If you can't make it, someone else can take your place, or we will postal mail your packet for $10.00.