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Kremmling continues Center of the Universe Trail Running Series with Roadkill Run

KATIE LOOBY
SKY-HI DAILY NEWS
Byron Hetzler/Sky-Hi Daily News
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Runners should rest and hydrate unless they want to get run over on Saturday.

The 14th Annual Roadkill Run is set for 9 a.m. Saturday at Kremmling Town Square. It is the third race in Kremmling’s Center of the Universe Trail Running Series and part of the Steamboat Springs Running Series. Runners can choose from a half-marathon, 3-mile and 5-mile races.

Shawn and Stephanie Scholl are the race directors; about 20 volunteers will assist them.



First-time runners are always impressed with the scenery, terrain and panoramic views of the mountain ranges on the course, Stephanie Scholl said.

“Although we’re not at a ski mountain our courses are fun and hilly and remote,” she said. “There’s more to Kremmling than meets the eye.”



The half-marathon course will make one big loop north of Kremmling. Racers will ascend the cliffs; descend to Muddy Creek, and cross it on single-and-double-track trails. The trail reaches its high point at 10 miles.

The 5-mile course climbs toward the Kremmling Cliffs and makes a 4-mile loop with views of the Muddy River and surrounding mountains. It features both single and double track dirt trails.

Racers will finish at Kremmling Town Square.

“Everyone finishes at the same place ” they just peel off at different places,” Stephanie Scholl said.

About 150 racers usually compete, she said.

The courses are created in a “collaborative” effort between the Scholls and Bureau of Land Management, which manages most of the land the courses cross. The courses, however, change each year.

The Center of the Universe Trail Running Series features the only trail races in Grand County. Portions of the trails are open throughout the year, she said.

The race will not be canceled. If there is too much rain on the trails, an alternative dirt trail is available.

“It’s going to happen regardless of the weather,” she said. “It’s not a trail per se, but it’s all dirt.”

Prizes will be distributed to runners who come in first, second and third in each of the races. “We’ve got additional prizes for the masters (age 40 and over) in the half-marathon,” said Kacey Beres, Kremmling Chamber of Commerce events director.

Bear Mountain Ranch, 22 miles north of Kremmling on U.S. Highway 40, donated buffalo and elk hamburgers, steak, sausage and bratwurst.

Dan and Deb Murphy from Kremmling’s Fishin’ Hole Sporting Goods will provide prizes for the top three runners in the 3-mile run.

“All the prizes that we’re getting, we kind of try to tie into the actual title of the race,” Beres said.

The Kremmling Chamber of Commerce and Kremmling’s Big Shooter Coffee, owned by the Scholls, are organizing a barbecue at Town Square after the race.

West Grand School District has paid the registration for students to participate in the race. “(Students) just need to come sign up at the chamber,” Beres said.

The race costs $15 or $25 with a T-shirt for participants who pre-register. To register visit http://www.runkremmling.com/20080408145302466.pdf.

Racers may also register at 8 a.m. the day of the race.

The Gore Grind, which is the fourth race in the series, is set for Oct. 12.

How it got its name

The Roadkill Run was originally created to complement a Roadkill dinner event the Kremmling Chamber of Commerce organized to kick off hunting season.

Wild game was donated to the Chamber and it distributed the meat to local restaurants to sell at the event at Town Square. Menu items included elk fagots; bear meat chili; and mountain lion stew along with other wild game recipes.

“We kind of attached ourselves to that and thought it would be fun,” Scholl said.

” Katie LOOBY can be reached at 887-3334 ext. 19601 or e-mail klooby@grandcountynews.com.


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