The start of the 2020 Santa Fe Striders Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic. Courtesy photo
SANTA FE STRIDERS NEWS
Now through March 2021, run or hike 6 kilometers—any time, anywhere—to earn great swag and support Santa Fe Search & Rescue.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic, normally hosted by the Santa Fe Striders running club in January at the Big Tesuque Campground, will be virtual in 2021.
Registered participants can complete their own 6-kilometer (3.5 mile) run or hike anywhere, any time between December 2020 and March 2021. Competing in snowshoes on snow is ideal, but one perk of a virtual race is that you can participate anywhere! If you live somewhere without snow, you may still sign up. All registrants will receive a beanie adorned with snowflakes, zias, and a pom pom on top. (Please make sure to register with your correct mailing address so we can mail the hat to you; you will also have the option to pick it up at the Running Hub in Santa Fe).
Please visit runsignup.com to sign up. The registration fee is $30, and any proceeds will go to Santa Fe Search and Rescue. In addition to volunteering at past Snowshoe Classics, Santa Fe Search and Rescue provides trained teams to participate in wilderness searches for people who are missing, injured, or lost.
After you complete your event, please enter your time in the results section at runsignup.com or email santafesnowshoe@gmail.com with your time, location, and whether or not you wore snowshoes. Because of the inconsistencies in location and snow, overall and age group awards will not be awarded; however, all participants who email photos of their race to santafesnowshoe@gmail.com will be eligible for raffle prizes.
The 2021 Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic can be run anywhere; local runners may choose to complete the regular race course (see attached map), which starts at the Big Tesuque Campground. The lollipop-shape course goes out Big Tesuque Trail (#152) and then does a counterclockwise loop via Pacheco Canyon Road (U.S. Forest Road 102) and the Winsor Trail (#254) before returning to the Big Tesuque Trail.
Other good local spots for running on snow include the Canada Bonita trail system in Los Alamos, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and the Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Area in Red River. (Depending on public health orders, some of these places may or may not be open; please check their websites and comply with all safety protocols.)
Last year’s in-person Snowshoe Classic had a record-breaking 110 participants. Let’s see if we can beat that this year! Snowshoeing a great way to socially distance this winter. By recreating responsibly in 2021, you can still support the Snowshoe Classic—and help the Santa Fe Striders get back to hosting normal races in 2022. Happy snowshoeing!
