Fraser’s Byers Peak Stampede returns for its 15th race Saturday, Aug. 23, offering trail runners the choice between a scenic 5K and a challenging half-marathon through the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest.

All proceeds will help fund the Shining Stars Foundation‘s outdoor programs for children facing cancer.

Race weekend officially begins Friday, Aug. 22, at Vicious Cycle Brewing with packet pickup and a pre-party at 5 p.m offering free beer for runners and a chance to enter a prize giveaway.

A new addition to this year’s party is an exclusive screening of “147,” a 20-minute film celebrating the grit and camaraderie of trail running. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s star, Stephanie Hause, who embarked on a 147-mile run in 48 hours in Boulder.

Ryndi Zastrow, Shining Stars’ program and events director, said the featured film will be a motivating start to the weekend.

“We encourage both runners and the community to come out and meet up,” Zastrow said.

Race day is Saturday, Aug. 23, with the half-marathon beginning at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m. Both races take place entirely on dirt roads or trails, Zastrow said.

The half-marathon will climb from 8,700 feet to over 9,500 feet on a single-loop course, according to the event page. Aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, fruit and energy gels will be placed about every 3.5 miles, and all races are chip-timed.

The finish line celebration will feature a free hot dog BBQ for everyone and free beer from Vicious Cycle Brewing for half-marathon and 5K runners who are 21 or older — until the keg runs out, Zastrow said.

The race started as the Winter Park Half Marathon 15 years ago and was renamed the Byers Peak Stampede when it moved to Fraser. Organizers say last year’s partnership with Vicious Cycle added new energy to the finish line festivities.

“Anyone who runs this race deserves a beer afterward,” Zastrow said.

Registration is open online. The 5K is $65 and the half-marathon is $85 plus fees.