Indian Summer Run to draw many participants from throughout area

Indian Summer Run to draw many participants from throughout area

Oct. 5, 2000

STAFF REPORT

Runners from throughout the Four Corners are going to be participating in the 11th annual Mesa Verde-Cortez Indian Summer Run.

Approximately 150 to 160 runners are expected to participate. Of course, most of the runners call the Four Corners area home, but some come from near Albuquerque and cities in Arizona.

This year’s half-marathon, 5-mile run, and 2-mile fun walk/run are scheduled this Saturday, Oct. 7.

The entry fee for late entries, including race day, is $18. The fee includes a race tee shirt.

The half-marathon course has a starting line on the eastern side of Point Lookout near the Mancos Valley Overlook inside the boundaries of Mesa Verde National Park. The elevation at that point is almost 8,000 feet above sea level. The course follows the park entrance road down to where it meets U.S. Highway 160. That portion of the run is all down hill for almost four miles. Runners then head west on the highway toward Cortez for about another nine miles to the finish line at Centennial Park.

According to avid runner and Cortez Mayor Joe Keck, "this is a good personal record (half) marathon because the course drops approximately 2,000 feet in elevation."

The 5-mile run starts at Four Seasons Greenhouse, located on County Road P north of Dolores. It goes through Montezuma County ranch country to the finish at Centennial Park. The 2-mile fun run/walk takes participants around Centennial Park twice.

The race headquarters for out-of-town visitors is the Cortez Holiday Inn Express. The motel is offering a special rate of $69 plus tax per night. The Chamber of Commerce, the major sponsor of the event, is encouraging participants to spend the weekend in the area and help celebrate the rebirth of Mesa Verde National Park which was ravaged earlier this summer by two wildfires. The park has been voted one of the "50 must-see places of a lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler magazine.

Post-run activities and awards ceremony will take place at the park. The top three placers in each category will receive awards. Ribbons will be awarded in various age groups. A $100 cash prize will be given to men’s and women’s overall winners if the half-marathon course record is broken. A $25 prize will be given to the men’s and women’s master winners if the half-marathon course record is broken.

For race information, contact the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce. They can be reached at 565-3414.