Turkey Track is an old mountain classic trail race in its 6th year. Traditionally this is a spectacular 13.1 or 26.2 mile trail run on sweet single track, and with the start at 8,000 feet of altitude you're in for incredible mountain vistas and pristine mountain air as you follow the edges of dynamic canyons and through Ponderosa and Aspen forests. Plus your share of roots, rocks, turkeys and perhaps a little bit of mud! It has mellow elevation gain, less than 1,500’— the ideal early-season layout. Now in 2014 GECKO has added two distances 5k and 10k which is really the perfect transition from a 'road' to a 'trail'.
Besides the scenic trails, there are lots of reasons runners return year after year to this race, here are a long list of 20 GREAT reasons to sign up:
Sign up at www.joingecko.org/xterraturkeytrack
1. The race raises funds for GECKO (www.joingecko.org) a 501c3 Pagosa Springs based charity that aims to get kids off the couch, unplugged and outside!
2. We have a state of the art electronic chip timing system. You'll get accurate results fast.
3. All online entries are guaranteed a limited edition, race branded Coolmax Running Sock.
4. Turkey Track is a race that prides itself on being a memorable day out. The friendly people of Pagosa Springs come out to make it so: aid stations are run by local community groups like the ATV Club Pagosa Trail Riders and the Pagosa Springs High School Cross Country team–the Pirates. They all run like clock work and are always well stock and well briefed.
5. We're iPod friendly if that's your thing.
6. Get points towards the XTERRA Colorado Trail Run Series.
7. Every finisher will get a famous handmade turkey foot adobe medals made by the local elementary school art class.
8. Winners receive handcrafted metal work trophies made by local artist Scott Slind.
9. Top Sponsor XTERRA Partners for on course fuel and great SWAG!
10. Killer after party at The Pagosa Brewing Company to celebrate a great day out.
11. Higher Grounds Coffee will be providing delicious hot coffee pre-race.
12. GECKO has many accommodation partners offering 15% discount to all athletes.
13. So you’re used to your course lead out being on a mountain bike, correct? Well at Turkey Track, ours is a cowboy on a horse. Welcome to Colorado!
14. In 2014 XTERRA Turkey Track has joined American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day which is a nationwide celebration of trails and an opportunity to celebrate our country’s 200,000+ miles of trails by participating in an outdoor event. Please join us on June 7th to unite in the effort to promote healthy living, protect green spaces and reinforce the importance of trails in our community.
15. 5k and 10k distances have been added – take your time, we’ll be out there all day anyway! Hike it or walk it if you can’t run, just have fun!
16. Pagosa Baking Company and DSP Pizzeria are providing delicious baked GECKO goodies at the finish line.
17. Why not take advantage of Pagosa Springs and soak in the Hot Springs afterwards (they are in the Guinness Book of World Records as the deepest!)
18. We don't mind if you run with you best 4-legged pal.
19. This year 5k and 10k distances have been added. If you're waiting for your family or friend to finish the marathon, why not run, jog or hike the 5k!
20. As always this event is included in the Trail Runner Magazine Trophy Series.
