The technology of snowshoes continues to evolve. You just might see snowshoes such as these at the Colorado State Snowshoe Championships.
Warriors from the Grand Valley, Indians from the shadow of Pikes Peak, a thundering stampede of Buffalos from the High Plains, Cougars from the top of the Front Range, a Miner wielding explosives from the far southwest corner of the state, and Spartans from the Arkansas Valley will ascend to Colorado Mountain College in Leadville sporting snowshoes, running tights, and a smile. Yes, it is that time: the snowshoe state championships preview article.
Taking part in the seventh running of this quirky race will be Cheyenne Mountain, Evergreen, Central (Grand Junction), Poudre, Salida, Smoky Hill, and Telluride. There is still time to register yourself and your team. Please check out runningclub.coloradomtn.edu for all of the details. The racing will be on the campus of Colorado Mountain College in Leadville on Saturday morning.
I am super excited to see how Poudre and Central take on the old guard of Cheyenne Mountain and Smoky Hill. The team titles are up for grabs along with the individual titles. I have not seen the race this wide open since the first race in 2010...when I didn't know anyone!
A pair of second place runners from last year's race will look to rise to the top for this year's race. Jemil Kassahun of Smoky Hill and Soleil Gaylord of Telluride will look to top the charts in their respective races.
Results will be made available to Colorado Track/XC as soon as possible along with photos. The race is a fundraiser for the burgeoning running club on the CMC Leadville campus.