The Steamboat Classic turns 40 this year. The city’s largest solely running, walking and jogging event is expected to have more than 4,000 people cross the finish line June 15th. It’s said to be the world’s fastest four mile course, possibly the toughest 15-K and includes a 4-K fun run-walk.
Race organizer Phillip Lockwood says they’re encouraging people to complete four miles in one hour this year. He says it’s for people who wouldn’t otherwise participate. ““That’s one aspect really of encouraging people to get up off the couch and start moving. Hence the moving forward together,” Lockwood says. “Really our event has transitioned from being this high performance running event to now really to being a community event wrapped around physical activity for all ages and all ability levels.”
The elite runners are still participating, as are some elite wheelchair athletes. Lockwood says the anniversary run will again include first responders who run for free, as will all who wear a military uniform, including veterans. Lockwood says they are also planning to have some wounded warriors participate.
Steve Shostrom, who co-founded the event and now has a disability, is also planning to walk the four-mile course along with 176 others to represent the number of people who crossed the first race finish line.
This year’s race is June 15th at 7:00a.m.. People can register at Steamboat Classic-dot-org for $35 until June 8th. Packet pick-up is June 14th at the Riverplex from 11:00a.m. to 7:00p.m..