Fostering Fitness: Race Through the Rockies

5k or 10k Course:  Santa Fe Regional Trail

Description:  The New Santa Fe Regional Trail provides a scenic journey along the front range of the mountains, from Palmer Lake Recreation Area in northern El Paso County through the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The trail is very wide and a mixture of gravel/dirt.

Location (5k & 10k North Gate Route):  Park at the SW corner of the parking lot for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental and Vision Offices and follow the very short trail under I-25 to the Santa Fe Trail. 5k route map here. For a 10k, turnaround and head back to the start.

Location (5k & 10k Woodman Route):  Start at the Edmonson Trailhead (map) near E Woodman Rd. & I25 and head north until just before South Gate Blvd. A detailed 5k route map is here. For a 10k, turnaround and head back to Edmonson Trailhead.

 

5k Course:  Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods features  dramatic views, and 300′ towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. Among it's 15 miles of scenic trails through a “garden” of sandstone rock formations, Garden of the Gods offers a wide variety of 5k courses that all start and end at the Visitor & Nature Center (click for map). Check out https://www.gardenofgods.com for more info.

• Buckskin Charlie
• Juniper Loop
• Palmer-Scottsman Route
• Palmer-Central Garden
• Rock Ledge
• Strollers & Pets (Foothills)
• Siamese Twins
• Ridge Trail
• Galloway-Niobrara Route
• Strausenback
• Ute Trail Route
• Valley Reservoir

 

Local Scavenger Hunt

Want to explore more around Colorado Springs after your race? Make a day of it and explore! Colorado Springs has plenty of socially-distanced fun for the whole family!

 

Hand-Feed Giraffes

At an elevation of 6,714 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest zoo in America. Do more than watch; hand-feed giraffes and budgies, get up-close experiences and animal demos, or take a trip on the carousel or Mountaineer Sky Ride. 

Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone:  (719) 633-9925
https://www.cmzoo.org 

 

Be an Astronaut for a Day

Explore the great unknown at the Space Foundation Discovery Center. This interactive museum allows adults and children alike to learn everything from how space suits really work to how to grow food on the moon. While you’re there, walk into the original Spacelab that made its debut in space in 1983, operate a robot on Mars-like terrain, and try your hand at the AGI Space Missions Simulation Lab. Check out their long list of events as well, which includes the occasional adult-only happy hour.

Address:  4425 Arrowswest Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone:  719.576.8000
https://www.discoverspace.org

 

Go Back to School

Ivywild School is a place where neighbors, friends, colleagues and visitors can meet and mingle. A place where you can enjoy great local fare and share ideas. But it’s also much more than that. It’s a flourishing communal atmosphere linking commerce and community with gathering spaces, local cuisine, education, art and gardens. Formerly an elementary school, Ivywild’s façade still holds true to its roots as reimagined spaces fill the halls once again with the voices of children and adults alike.

Ivywild is home to a variety of local attractions:

• Bristol Brewery & Pub
• Principal's Office craft coffee & cocktails
• Yobel Market
• Axe and the Oak Whiskey

Address: 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Phone: (719) 368-6100
http://ivywildschool.com/