Urban Adventures
Summer’s not over until a few more offbeat competitions take place. Saturday’s big event is the 5th Annual Denver Oyster Urban Adventure Race calling for team strategy along with the ability to run, bike, scoot, paddle, trek, climb and perform other athletic feats while raising funds for the Special Olympics Colorado. The traditional course for three-person teams should take four to eight hours to complete and covers 40-50 miles; there are also six-person corporate teams and family fun divisions. The event starts at the Denver Aquarium at 6 a.m.. More details and registration information at -Home/home.aspx. Then on Sunday at the Boulder Reservoir, the Muddy Buddy Ride & Run Series features a 6-7-mile course in which a cyclist and a trail runner have five obstacles to conquer. A costume contest and a dive in the mud pit are highlights of the event, which benefits the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Register by Aug. 14 at If these contests are too down and dirty for you, one that’s scheduled for Saturday is much more family friendly. The Friendship 5K Run/Walk at Foothills Community Park in Boulder will benefit Intercambio de Comunidades and KGNU Community Radio. Adults start running at 8 a.m.; kids at 8:45. More at
Skirting the issue
Nicole Deboom got her share of chuckles from people when she wore a skirt while running, but she got the last laugh when she won a triathlon wearing one and then started her apparel company SkirtSports, in Boulder. Four years later, the trend has definitely caught on, and Runner’s World features the look on its August cover. Inside it shows 16 faves, including SkirtSports’ MarathonGirl Ultra. Deboom will talk about her experiences as a competitive athlete and entrepreneur at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at Outdoor Divas in Boulder, 1133 Pearl St. Then in Denver on Sept. 6, the retailer and manufacturer are sponsoring the SkirtChaser5K race in Denver. Instead of getting another T-shirt, female entrants receive a skirt. Find details at .
Find your running mates
Denver is not one of the 25 sites for The Human Race 10K on Aug. 31, but locals can participate via the Internet by signing up online at . And to help people get ready for the event, Finish Line in Cherry Creek Shopping Center is hosting training runs every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday morning at 8 a.m. until race day. Register at the store and meet there before each training run. 303-333-4864
