RACE ROSTER
Santa Stampede 5K/10K
Dec. 20: A “flat and fast” chip-timed 5K/10K along the South Platte River where all runners get a Santa hat. Choose the 5K, 10K or both. $30-$50. 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. A finish-line expo with vendors and refreshments follows. The race begins and ends at Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, santastampede.com
The Superior Stocking Run
Dec. 14: All participants receive a red felt stocking filled with goodies in this family-friendly 5K, the first of three events in the Racing Underground Winter Running Series. 7:30 a.m. registration and packet pick-up, 9 a.m. 5K begins, 9:45 a.m. awards presentations with refreshments. Fees vary. Purple Park, 1310 S. Pitkin Ave., Superior, racingunderground.com/ stockingrun/index.html
WinterFest 5K Run/Walk
Dec. 13: Held in conjunction with the three-day WinterFest holiday festival ( ), the 5K is open to all ages and levels. Race timing chips, awards and refreshments included. Dogs and strollers welcome. Carpenter Park, 11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton,
BENEFITS
A Christmas Carol Classic 5K/10K
Dec. 20: Christmas carolers provide musical entertainment at the start and finish line in this annual race offered as part of the City Park Winter Running Series. Also includes the Tiny Tim 1K for children. Activities begin at 9 a.m. Fees vary, proceeds benefit the Denver Children’s Home that helps traumatized, abused and neglected children. A post-race fest includes entertainment, refreshments and awards. City Park, , denverchildrenshome.org
Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Dec. 14: Reindeer antlers and holiday-themed costumes are welcome at this annual benefit for The Arthritis Foundation. 8 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. packet pick-up, 9:45 a.m. Snowman Scramble for kids, 10 a.m. opening ceremony, 10:15 a.m. 5K timed run followed by “walkers and waggers,” 11 a.m. awards ceremony. Fees vary. Dogs and strollers welcome. Washington Park, 1700 Louisiana Ave., jinglebellrundenver.org
The Ugly Sweater Run
Dec. 20: The 5K invites walkers and runners to find their ugliest sweater in this annual benefit for Save the Children, a nonprofit to help children around the world learn and be healthy. Holiday music, inflatables and photo stations included. Times vary. $35-$40 on race day, free for children age 5 and under. Teams, dogs and strollers welcome. Each participant receives a knit hat, hot chocolate, choice of beer or hard cider (for 21+). Awards will be presented for worst sweater, best sweater, best real mustache and best fake mustache. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, theuglysweaterrun.com
special events
Coal Creek Family Nature Outing
Dec. 13: Naturalist Martin Ogle hosts this walk celebrating the rebuilding of the Coal Creek Trail, 1-2:30 p.m. The walk is geared at families with children age 8 and older. Free. Meet at the entrance of Coal Creek, just south of Ryan Elementary School where Centaur Village Drive ends at Centaur Circle. Reservations required, email martin@ entrepreneurialearth.com. Centaur Circle and Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette, cityoflafayette.com
Keystone Resort
Dec. 13-14: Hosting “Get to Know Keystone Days” with family-friendly activities including the grand opening of Kidtopia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Kidtopia Snow Fort on Dercum Mountain. A parade with Keystone mascot Ripperoo, visits with Santa Claus, a Bigfoot Adventure Walk, face painting, fireworks and more is also included. Keystone’s Ski&Ride School is offering free one-hour clinics both days at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for ages 11 and older. Weekend deals also include discounted lodging, lift tickets and rental equipment. Visit the website for details. Keystone Resort, keystoneresort.com
ONGOING
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,
Hatha Yoga with Jan
Through Dec. 31: 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,
L-Town Nutrition
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday: Ongoing classes focus on fitness and nutrition, 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Saturdays. Free. Reservations recommended, drop-ins welcome. 1360 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 303-730-2038, e-mail ltownnutrition@gmail.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
