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August is season of the trail series with 2017 Hunky Dory, Run the Rockies 10Ks and half marathons

A trail runner cruises along the Lakeshore Perimeter trail on the Frisco Peninsula, home to the annual Run the Rockies trail half-marathon and 10K on Aug. 12. Registration for both events is currently open at $60 for the half-marathon and $40 for the 10K.
Byron Swezy / Special to the Daily |

2017 Hunky Dory

What: The 7th year of an annual half-marathon and brand-new 10K, both held on classic trails in Breckenridge like Flumes, Slalom and the French Gulch system

When: Saturday, Aug. 5, at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Vista Point Park start, corner of Wellington and Reiling roads in Breckenridge

Cost: $35 for 10K, $70 for half

Registration prices for both events jump by $5 on race day, available starting at 7:30 p.m. at Vista Point Park. Aid stations are located at miles 3.2, 7.5 and 10.2. All registered runners get an event t-shirt and finishers lunch. For more information or to pre-register, see the “Special Events and Tournaments” tab at BreckenridgeRecreation.com.

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2017 Run the Rockies trail

What: The fifth edition of an annual trail half-marathon and 10K, hosted on the sprawling trail system at the Frisco Peninsula

When: Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8 a.m.

Where: Frisco Nordic Center start line, 616 Recreation Way in Frisco

Cost: $40 for 10K, $60 for half

Pricing increases by $5 for each event on race day. Youth (ages 17 years and younger) receive a $10 discount for online or day-of registration. All runners take home a racers mug, running-inspired gift and post-race meal, including pizza from Peppino’s Pizza and one beer from Outer Range Brewing. To register online or learn more, see RunTheRockies.com.

It’s been a long summer of intervals, hill climbs and long, brutal training days in the rain. Now’s the time to show off your lungs and legs.

To welcome the end of trail season, Breckenridge and Frisco host a pair of trail-running races on consecutive weekends this August: the 7th annual Hunky Dory on Aug. 5, now with both a half marathon and a 10K, and the fifth edition of Run the Rockies trail, also with a half-marathon and 10K.

With plenty of time remaining to register for either event — or both, if “trail torture time” is on your calendar most weekends — we take a look at the differences and similarities of these back-to-back running races. We’ll be cheering you on.



Hunky Dory 10K and Half | Breckenridge, Aug. 5

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” could be a fitting theme for the Hunky Dory half-marathon. For six years, the annual event drew a select group of crazies from across Summit County and neighboring mountain towns for a tour of Breck’s classic singletrack: the French Gulch network, Upper Flume, Middle Flume, Western Sky, Slalom, Gold Run Gulch and more, all with 1,519 feet of elevation gain on trails no lower than 9,500 vertical feet. It’s a lung buster.



But sometimes, even if something ain’t broke, it’s time to add another option for people who aren’t quite ready to tackle 13.1 miles. Introducing the Hunky Dory 10K, a brand-new option this year for trail runners who like sprints more than slogs. The shorter race includes the opening trails in French Gulch, but removes the long traverse north along Flumes and Slalom.

Registration is available online until noon on Aug. 4. There isn’t much parking at Stilson Lot near the start line outside of the Wellington neighborhood, so consider carpooling or bussing to the start. This one is supported, with water, food and first aid at three aid stations. This one comes with a cutoff time, so if you haven’t reached the second aid station (around mile 6) by 11 a.m., you’ll have to call it quits.

Run the Rockies Trail 10K and Half | Frisco, Aug. 12

The weekend after Hunky Dory comes Run the Rockies trail, a counterpart to the summer-opening Run the Rockies road races on the Summit County recpath system. The August event takes place on the Frisco Peninsula trail system, with both the half-marathon and 10K beginning and ending at the Frisco Nordic Center day lodge.

“The Frisco Peninsula is known for great, rolling terrain with exceptional views, so this race has become popular with both seasoned racers and newer trail runners,” said Linsey Joyce, recreation programs manager for the town of Frisco.

Now, before there’s a riot, understand that the half-marathon is measured at 12.76 miles — not exactly a true half — but a combination of elevation and tricky singletrack will make you forget all about the missing 0.3 miles. Runners gain nerly 1,000 total feet of elevation while covering the entire Lakeshore Perimeter trail, along with ridgeline routes like Jody’s and Riechl’s.

The 10K gains about 350 total feet of elevation on a truncated course that begins on the perimeter trail before moving away from the water. Be aware: Unlike some trail races, there’s very little tree cover on this event, so water and sunscreen are highly encouraged.

Along with personal gear, both events come with aid stations, including four along the half-marathon route and one for the 10K. Then come the awards: The top first, second and third-place male and female finishers in the half-marathon and 10k will receive an award, as well as the first-place finishers in each age group. Awards are given immediately after both races finish.


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