A runner explores the fall scenery at Pajarito Mountain. The mountain will be hosting the Pajarito Mountain Run and the first annual Octoberfest on Oct. 21. Courtesy/Pajarito Mountain
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Pajarito Mountain and TCR Productions are teaming up to produce something that is an all-around win for the community. This collaboration is yielding the Pajarito Mountain Run and the first annual Octoberfest to offer the public the best of everything: a fundraiser for a good cause, some friendly competition, food, and of course, beer.
Everything is scheduled for Oct. 21. TCR Productions is organizing the Pajarito Mountain Run, which is a 10K race that will kick off at 10 a.m. at the ski hill. The race will benefit the Los Alamos High School cross country team. Meanwhile, Pajarito Mountain’s Octoberfest event will begin at noon. Beer and food will be served at that time and live music will be performed starting at 2 p.m. The whole event goes to 5 p.m.
Other activities include the disc golf course, kids’ games and breweries from around the area including Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op, Boxing Bear, Beer Creek and Black Mesa Winery and Cidery.
Tom Rojas of TCR Productions and a Los Alamos High School alumni explained he turned to Pajarito Mountain as the race’s location at the recommendation of George Brooks, the former executive director of Ski New Mexico. Rojas said he approached Brooks about his desire to do an off-road race. Rojas said the high school cross country coaches, Steven and Lindsey Montoya, have been excellent to work with to get the race organized.
“They are so dedicated to all of the kids,” he said.
Partnering with other entities in the community for these race events is important, Rojas said. “We always look for partnerships. These are the best because we can make it more than an athletic event. It’s a celebration.”
Pajarito Mountain General Manager Jasen Bellomy agreed.
“There’s a push in Los Alamos to advocate recreational opportunities and this is a great opportunity to do that,” he said, adding, “this marries into the direction of where we want to head for the ski area.”
Rojas’ drive to organize this race is personal. He was born and raised in Los Alamos and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1972. Since retiring as a city administrator in Albuquerque, Rojas focuses on his company, TCR Productions, which has hosted previous races in Los Alamos. The most recent being the Hilltopper Run Aug. 19. That race benefited the LAPS Foundation.
“I want to make a concerted effort to reconnect with the community,” he said. “I’ve been up here more recently – I just love the community.”
Rojas added that doing things for children is a big interest for him.
“Anything I can do to help the kids at the school, I will do it,” Rojas said.
Bellomy said the ski hill also is getting involved with students, adding that joining forces with Rojas to offer the race and Octoberfest is very “apropos”.
“There’s so much energy and support going around the kids,” he explained.
Besides the Pajarito Mountain Run, Bellemy said the ski hill is hosting the first annual National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) race, which brings young bicyclists from all over New Mexico. Training will be held Oct. 14 and the race will be Oct. 15.
“It’s a really nice opportunity to host the event at the mountain,” Bellomy said.
Pajarito Mountain Recreation’s Natalie Kave said an entire cross country bike trail was made and will be utilized for this event.
“It is just something to support the kids and the community,” she said.
Bellomy added it is all in keeping with what makes Pajarito Mountain, Pajarito Mountain.
“I think this is key of what Pajarito is and what it is meant for,” he said. “Keeping the spirit alive is very important.”
For more information about the Pajarito Mountain Run or to register, visit https://tcrproductions.com/ or email tcr@tcrproductions.com.
For more information about Octoberfest at the ski hill, go to https://www.pajarito.ski/.