Inaugural Run The Ridge 5K draws a crowd
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik
Underneath the blanket of blue skies and mild temperatures, area runners took stride on the golf paths of The Ridge at Castle Pines North golf course for the inaugural “Run The Ridge 5K” event on Sunday June 25. Nearly 100 runners of all ages enjoyed the rare opportunity to run through the thick forest of ponderosa pines and Gambel oaks that encase the beautiful golf course.
Sara McGillivray took on the race with her two young sons, Mitchell and Garrett, in tow. McGillivray said, “My husband is in the military, and with him gone for the next year, we are trying a race a month. The Ridge 5K run was a great start to the adventure.”
Wanting to celebrate his 18th birthday in a special manner, Nathaniel Bodner of Colorado Springs and his family drove up to participate in the race. He said “It was a fun and relaxing run, though the hills were really steep!”
Post race, the runners were treated to a breakfast buffet, and some enjoyed an early morning beer. Ken and Camie McIalwain of Winter Berry recently moved here from Nebraska and remarked, “If you are looking for a challenging 5K, this one is it. But you’re rewarded with good company, good food, good beer and beautiful views.”
Run organizer Ashley Oxton said, “I am thrilled with how smooth and successful our inaugural event was. Everyone is already looking forward to the event next year where we will be adding a 10K.” Oxton is the owner of Discovery Running and the founder of the Castle Pines Run Club, which meets every Wednesday for a three- to five-mile run and post-run social.
For more information on Run The Ridge 2018 and the Castle Pines Run Club, visit www.discoveryrunning.com.
