Runners challenged themselves in a 12 mile or 30 mile off-road race
By David Josselyn
Early on a cool, overcast morning, the opening strains of the National Anthem sung by Nederland High School freshman Faeryn Sepanik-Copke were heard by more than 400 racers before they took off up the Mountain Lion trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Although the day started off perfect for running, cool and overcast, the clouds later broke apart allowing the full intensity of the high-altitude sun to break through before any runner crossed the finish line. Saturday, June 1st, the 5th Annual Dirty 30 was held, beginning and finishing at the Nott Creek trailhead. The Dirty 30 is a foot race that traverses 50 kilometers (~31 miles) of rugged dirt trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Shorter races are offered every year and this year had the option of a 12 mile run. Almost 200 racers took off at six in the morning for the 50k race and about 250 racers started at nine o’clock for the 12 mile. Money raised from this event goes to several programs, though the main beneficiary is the athletic program at Gilpin County School. This year’s race brought in $3,700 for the school which will be divided equally between football, volleyball, and boys’ and girls’ basketball. Some of the money will be used to defray the cost of summer camps including a four-day girls’ basketball camp at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. The athletic department in return helps the Dirty 30 by marking 18 miles of the trail and being in charge of three aid stations, official timing, and parking.
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