Denverites dance, ride and run to fight disease, promote education, spruce up the ‘hood. But not at Saturday’s Skirtchaser 5K through Cherry Creek North. At this edgy event, they’re running for fun.
Boulder company Skirtsports promotes group fitness and skirts — and founder Nicole DeBoom is the brains behind the running skirts it sells and the race.
The idea: Women wearing skirts start the race with a three-minute head start. Then the men, not in skirts, chase them. Women will be wearing T-shirts that read “Catch me if you can!” Entry fees vary from $30 to $80. Check it out at skirtchaser5k — and register at Outdoor Divas in Boulder and Denver.
The winner, man or woman, gets $500 — and some major bragging rights.
“It’s about social fitness,” says DeBoom. “People say it’s the most fun race they’ve ever run. A healthy, fun night on the town.”
Sounds like it. The race starts at Fillmore Plaza — and that’s where the 1,000 expected runners will gather post-race for a block party with Oscar Blues beer, Red Bull, the New Orleans-infused Blues Krewes band and a sports skivvies fashion show.
So who wins? In the previous four races held this year, it’s been two men and two women. On your marks!
Jazz it up
In Denver, we were resting up from the DNC all weekend — but in Aspen, they were partying down. It was a five-day blowout that attracted more than 36,000 music fans, including Kevin Costner.
Organizers agreed to lower the attendance cap at each concert by 1,000 — but still pulled them in with Widespread Panic, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty and Ziggy Marley.
“It was gratifying,” says Jazz Aspen Snowmass boss Jim Horowitz. “To be able to do this, have it well attended and well run, with the economy the way it is, was challenging. But we did OK. We did more than OK.”
Cleaning up
Some post-DNC tidbits:
“And forget fine dining this week — that is, unless you consider guacamole and chips, pretzels and mayonnaise-y tuna salad that soaks through your paper plates an Emeril Legasse(sic) experience.” N.Y. Post’s Cindy Adams.
“Partying in Denver is a downer.” N.Y. Times’ Julie Bosman.
“And the Republicans have to re create this next week? Good luck. I can’t imagine John McCain following this if he dressed in spandex and lit himself on fire. Although, it would be fun to watch.” Comedian Will Durst.
“Let’s face it: It’s a clean, boring city that desperately needs a transportation chief and maybe a head of public safety. Denver was simply not prepared for a convention of this size. From the hotels to restaurants, to most especially, the lack of taxis . . . we all knew we were in trouble.” ‘s Roger Friedman.
City spirit
Check out the new issue of Colorado Parent for a three-page profile of 9News’ sky watcher Kathy Sabine and her new family. Her fav restaurants: Junz, Tamayo and Maggiano’s. . . . John Elway to be honored Sept. 27 at the Bridge Project Gala. Impersonator Frank Caliendo will entertain. . . . Sez who: “If Lincoln were alive today, he’d be turning over in his grave.” Gerald Ford
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at husted.
