RACE ROSTER
Santa Stampede 5K/10K
Dec. 14: Festive holiday attire is encouraged for this “flat and fast” chip-timed 5K/10K along the South Platte River. 7:30 a.m. race-day registration and packet pick-up, 8:45 a.m. Kids Fun Run, 9 a.m. 5K start, 10:15 a.m. 10K start. An awards ceremony is included along with a finish line expo with vendors, food and refreshments. Fees vary. The race begins and ends at Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, santastampede.com
BENEFITS
A Christmas Carol Classic
Dec. 21: “An Inspirational Holiday 5K, 10K, & Tiny Tim 1K” is included in the third annual benefit for the Denver Children’s Home. Activities begin at 9 a.m. Fees vary, teams are welcome. A post-race fest includes holiday entertainment, music, refreshments, children’s events and awards. City Park, runningguru.com/event/ccc2013
Jingle Bell Run/Walks
Dec. 14: Holiday-themed costumes with jingle bells are encouraged for the annual benefit for the Arthritis Foundation. Dogs in costume are invited. Individuals and teams may participate. Times and fees vary. An awards ceremony is included. Campus Oval Drive, Colorado State University-Fort Collins campus, 720-644-4397, e-mail dotsuka@arthritis.org,
Silent Hunger for the Holidays Basketball Tournament
Dec. 14, registration deadline Dec. 12: South Suburban Parks and Recreation hosts the annual benefit starting at 9 a.m. Men and women, ages 18 and up, compete in a 3 vs. 3, six-game guaranteed tournament. Awards, prize drawings and contests included. Team fees vary and may be discounted with a donation of non-perishable food items to benefit Inter-Faith Community Services. Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton, 303-483-7028, email butchr@sspr.org, sspr.org
The Ugly Sweater Run
Dec. 21: Awards will be presented for worst sweater, best sweater, best real mustache, best fake mustache and best beard following the 3.1 mile fun run starting at 11 a.m. Participants are asked to bring a new toy for Toys for Tots. Runners receive a knit hat, unlimited hot chocolate, two free beers or hard cider (for 21+) and a mustache — if needed. Children age 8 and under are free but may purchase a hat and mustache for $10. 20th and Market streets, theuglysweaterrun.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Devil’s Backbone Open Space
Dec. 17: “Moon Over My Space” is the theme of this approximate two-hour moonlit walk led by a volunteer naturalist, 5:30 p.m. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. The walk is free, reservations are required. Located just west of Loveland off Highway 34, 970-619-4489, larimer.org/NRregistration
Nature Hikes with Santa
Dec. 14 and 21: Storytime, crafts and a hike with Santa is included, 10-11:30 a.m. $4, $3 members. Reservations required. Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, 719-520-6745, elpasocountyparks.com
ONGOING
The Arthritis Foundation and South Suburban
South Suburban Parks and Recreation has partnered with the Arthritis Foundation and is offering new a low-impact exercise program tailored for those with arthritis. “Walk With Ease” helps to reduce pain and stiffness and is geared at anyone with arthritis or those seeking a regular low-impact class. The class is offered 2-3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd. Classes may be held outdoors at the adjacent deKoevend Park, weather permitting. Call or visit the website for more details. 303-730-4610, sspr.org
DCCV’s Yoga Classes
The Denver Center for Crime Victims (DCCV) presents a series of gentle yoga workout classes to offer emotional and physical benefits. A 10-week set of one-hour classes is $50 or individual classes are $5 each. All materials are provided. No experience required. Classes are held in central Denver. 303-860-0660, e-mail admin@denvervictims.org, denvervictims.org
Feisty Fit Females
A free exercise group for female cancer survivors meets the final Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 303-798-7614, feistyfitfemales.org
Hatha Yoga with Jan
Through Dec. 21: Classes 5:45-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30-9:45 a.m. Saturdays. $5 minimum donation for charity. St. John’s Cathedral, 1350 Washington St., 303-894-0648, hathayogawithjan.com
Miramont Lifestyle Fitness
Offering free climbing wall classes for ages 14 and over. The one-hour classes, offered at 5 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, include proper technique and safety equipment. Reservations required, call at least one hour before the class each day. 1800 Heath Parkway, Fort Collins, 970-221-5000, miramontlifestyle.com
2014 TriBella/MHM Women’s Triathlon Team
Accepting new team members. Group workouts, clinics and training plans for races included. A swim clinic is scheduled in January. All abilities welcome. E-mail kathy@milehigh- multisport.com, tribellas.com, milehighmultisport.com
Weigh and Win
South Suburban’s Buck Recreation Center is offering an ongoing free program that pays individuals (age 18 and over) to achieve a healthy weight through a partnership with the city of Littleton and Kaiser Permanente. Those already at their ideal weight will be awarded with incentives and rewards for maintaining it. Success is measured and tracked through quarterly weigh-ins at a kiosk located inside Buck Recreation Center. Participants also have access to online coaching tools. Weigh and Win kiosks are also located at South Suburban’s Goodson and Lone Tree recreation centers. Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton, weighandwin.com
Compiled by Vickie Heath, The Denver Post
Mail items at least 10-14 days in advance to Fitness Calendar, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202; fax 303-954-1679, e-mail living@denverpost.com
