JMTR News:
Hundreds of athletes from across the Southwest will make a run for Los Alamos to compete in the 8 annual Jemez Mountain Trail Runs May 25.
Runners have already filled the available spaces for the popular half-marathon for which there is now a wait list.
The competitive half-marathon, 50-mile and 50K runs take place along single track trails and dirt roads in the idyllic Jemez Mountains, including Pajarito Mountain and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, the Southwest region’s only supervolcano.
Beginning this year in 2013, the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs will be “cupless” to reduce paper waste. All runners will need to bring their own water bottles or use alternative hydration methods at the aid stations.
Start times for the races are as follows: 50-mile (5 a.m.); 50K (6 a.m.) and half-marathon (8 a.m.) Races begin at the Sheriff’s Posse Lodge located at 650 N. Mesa Road in Los Alamos.
Fees for the races are: $80 for 50-mile race; $65 for 50K; and $45 for half-marathon. All entrants will receive a t-shirt and free entry to the pre-race pasta dinner, along with other giveaways. To register, visit www.utlrasignup.com.
Please note: runners will experience high altitude elevation changes (more than 10,000 feet above sea level); however, numerous aid stations will be located throughout the course.
Top three overall male and female finishers in each race will receive a unique gift of large pottery bowls handmade by the Toya family of Jemez Pueblo. The Toyas will sell their pottery during the race as well. Multi-year finishers who surpass 50,000 feet cumulative climbing with a successful finish will receive commemorative pint glasses.
The top finishers in 2012 were: Patrick Garcia from Denver, Colo. (50-mile); Jason Schlarb from Boulder, Colo., (50K) and Robert Krar from Flagstaff, Ariz. (half-marathon.)
Special lodging rates are available for participants including a 10 percent discount at North Road Inn (northroadinn.com) and a reduced rate of $70/night at Comfort Inn (comfortinn.com.) Please mention the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs when booking. For a complete list of additional dining, shopping and attraction discounts related to the event while in Los Alamos, visit highaltitudeathletics.org/losalamos.htm.
The Jemez Mountain Trail Runs are organized by the High Altitude Athletics Club and Atomic City Road Runners, a non-profit organization. Proceeds from the runs will be donated to local charities.
For more information about the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs, visit highaltitudeathletics.org/JemezMt.htm or email Bill Geist at jemezruns@gmail.com.
