15th Annual Run Through Time Marathon and Half Marathon – October 11, 2020
Online registration for the Run Through Time is now open!
We greatly appreciate the support of the local community, permitting agencies, and the Chaffee County Department of Public Health in allowing this event to be held on its rescheduled date. This year’s event will look different than in other years, but we’re confident in the ability of all participants, volunteers, and spectators to work together to uphold the COVID action plan while having a great day on the race course.
A message to all runners who were originally registered in March: You must go the change link that was emailed to you and mark that you wish to race in October – you cannot just show up to the event. You will also have to sign an updated waiver. You have until September 30th to do this, but it will be very helpful for the registration process if you update this as soon as you know your plans. If you choose the option to not race in October, you’ll then be added to the participant list in March. Thank you!
September Update:
The 15th Annual Run Through Time is currently still scheduled for Sunday, October 11!
Online registration is now open for both the half and full marathon. Registration for the 2 mile fun run will remain closed. There will be no race day entries for any race.
The revised marathon course has been given approval from the Forest Service. This is the same course as in 2017, and the race maps and website have now been updated to reflect this course. This change has been made to reduce out and back traffic on the Frontside trail, and because snow should not be an issue in October.
The revised half marathon course has just received approval from the BLM. Those updated maps and course information have also been updated to reflect this change. This is a new version of the half marathon course that is similar to previous years’ versions, including 2017, but utilizes newer and/or different trails from miles 7 – 10.5.
The COVID race plan has been given the provisional approval from the Chaffee County Department of Public Health. We appreciate their willingness to work with us to be able to host this event! This plan is a work in progress, and is dependent on how things are going in our county in our state leading up to race day. Currently the field size will be limited to 300 runners (possibly more), and will be split evenly between the half and full marathon. Runners will be split into waves of 75, and those waves will be split into groups of 25. You will be allowed to choose what wave you would like to start in.
Updated course information, along with the entire provisional COVID race plan will be emailed to all competitors by mid September. Thanks to all runners for your patience while the race plan is developed, and we look forward to seeing everyone in October!
Click here for the June 10 and August 10 Race Updates about the Run Through Time
Foot travel only. Courses include single-track, jeep trail, and dirt roads, at elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to 9,000 feet. There is a 7 hour time limit for the marathon, and a 5 hour time limit for the half marathon. No crews or pacers on either course.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three men/women in each race and top 3 females/males in each 10 year age group. There will be light food at the finish for all competitors, but no after party or awards ceremony, as we are limited to the number of people who can gather in one space at a given time. Athlete gift will be custom socks. Race takes place on the Arkansas Hills Trail System, BLM and Forest Service land, and Chaffee County and City of Salida roads and property.
Contact information: Please contact Kristy Falcon at rttsalida@gmail.com with questions or if you have any interest in volunteering or sponsoring the 2020 Run Through Time.
We look forward to seeing you in October!
2019 Race Pictures
2018 Race Pictures
Past Run Through Time Results
Run Through Time Marathon – Updated for October 2020
- A mix of dirt/jeep roads and single track. Low point of the course is 7000 feet, and the high point is 9000 feet.
- Just under 4,000 feet of climbing
- Wave 1 will begin between 7:30 – 7:40am, and wave 2 will begin between 8:10 – 8:20am. There is a 7 hour time limit for all runners, no matter when you begin the race. There will be one time cut-off for this course – at the Beasway aid station at mile 14.32. If you don’t reach the Beasway aid station by 4 hours into the race (based on your starting time), you’ll be pulled from the race and given a ride back to town by aid station staff.
- 2 aid stations (one accessed twice) with limited food choices, water, Vfuel, and Tailwind nutrition. Aid will be at miles 7.08, 14.32, and 23.6.
- Participant limit: 150
- Marathon course is the same course used in 2017
Our starting line will be on CR177, which is the road north of the railroad tracks at the base of S Mountain. The first 2.64 miles is marked with green arrows. Course will head northwest along 177 and then turns right and uphill to a water tank. Turn left at the water tank to CR 175, turn left to CR 177 or the road north of the railroad tracks, and head back to the starting line and up a hill past the Frontside trailhead. This section of the course is nice packed dirt roads and paved highway with little elevation gain. Take advantage of this to space out before the single track.
The next section of the course is marked with red arrows. Follow the rough and rocky road southeast to the first aid station where Sweet Dreams single track begins. Sweet Dreams is 2.1 miles long; at the junction to Backbone Trail turn left. Backbone goes .91 miles to Sand Dunes Trail crossing and another .84 miles to the next aid station. Your first aid station is 7.08 miles into the race, and you will not see the next aid station for another 7 miles, so be prepared for long stretches in between aid. Turn right on 173 and follow the steep and rocky road uphill.
Red lines mark the outbound and start at mile 7.65. Follow FS Road 173 which is very steep and rocky to begin with. Unlike in March, it should be totally dry! After a series of long sweeping turns the trail tops out. After a long steep stretch of east facing road you enter the trees on a ridge before dropping into the north facing timber. You will cross the Beasway/Rumba trails 12.15 miles into the race but continue up FS road 173 to FS road 181. Turn left on 181 to the 2nd aid station at mile 14.32.
Blue lines mark the in-bound course. After reaching the aid station, you’ll begin heading back down to Salida on singletrack, on the Beasway trail. At 16.98 miles, you’ll cross 173 and continue on the single track trail (now called Rumba), which then turns into the Cottonwood Trail (note: on map #2 below, this is all called Cottonwood trail). Follow the trail down Cottonwood Gulch to the Unkle Nazty Trail at 20.95 miles into the race.
Turn right up hill on Unkle Nazty for .17 miles before turning left on Prospector. Prospector gains a ridge then begins dropping and switchbacking into Upper Sand Dunes. At Upper Sand Dunes Trail turn right and begin the last climb of the race. About half way up the Sand Dunes trail, you’ll begin encountering half marathon runners, who will be rejoining your course. You’ll finish the rest of the race with this field of runners as well. At the top of the trail head downhill on CR 173, to the last aid station at mile 23.6. Turn left on Lil’ Rattler Trail to the Kiosk at 24.52 miles. Head down the Frontside trail to the road, and then turn right and cross the railroad tracks at the at grade crossing near a row of old RR sheds. Follow the road west to the parking lot, cross the F Street Bridge and turn left into Riverside Park. Follow the path east through Riverside Park back to the finish near the Salida Scout Hut.
Map #2
Run Through Time Half Marathon – updated for October 2020
- Majority of course is narrow hilly single track trail, with the remainder on dirt/jeep roads
- Approximately 1600 feet of climbing. Low point 7000’, High point 8000’
- Wave 1 will begin between 9:05 – 9:15am, and Wave 2 will begin 9:45 – 9:55am. There will be a 5 hour time limit for everyone.
- 1 aid station with limited aid, which will be accessed at mile 7 and again at mile 11
- Participant limit: 150
- Half marathon course is a new course, although it’s similar to the courses used in years past, including 2017. The change in the course comes in miles 7 – 11.
Our starting line will be the same as in the past few years on CR 177, which is the road north of the railroad tracks at the base of S Mountain. Course will head northwest along 177 and then turns right and uphill to a water tank. Turn left at the water tank to CR 175, turn left to CR 177 or the road north of the railroad tracks, and head back to the starting line and up a hill past the Frontside trailhead. This section of the course is nice packed dirt roads and paved highway with little elevation gain. Take advantage of this to space out before the single track.
Follow the rough and rocky road southeast to where the Sweet Dreams single track begins. Turn left and head up the Sweet Dreams trail, which is 2.1 miles long. At the junction to Backbone Trail turn left. Backbone goes .91 miles to Sand Dunes Trail crossing and another .84 miles to the first aid station, which is 7 miles into your race. Turn right on 173 and head just past the aid station before turning left onto the North Backbone trail. Follow this trail for 1.1 miles before turning right to climb up the Dude Abides trail. You’ll then cross CR 173 before heading on a short section of jeep road to connect to the Pauli trail, reaching the high point of the half marathon course. Follow Pauli for a short stretch before turning right onto the Hooligan trail. Be careful in this section – this is one of the more technical stretches of single track on this trail system, most of which is downhill. At mile 10.2, the Hooligan trail will end, and you’ll turn right to head uphill for a short but steep stretch up the upper Sand Dunes trail. It’s at this junction that you’ll rejoin the marathon course – please be aware that you’ll be on course with those runners from here until the finish.
After reaching the top of the Sand Dunes trail, head down CR 173 to your second passing of the course aid station at mile 11. Turn left onto the Lil’ Rattler trail to the trail kiosk, then head down the Frontside trail to the road. Turn right and cross the railroad tracks at the at grade crossing near a row of old RR sheds. Follow the road west to the parking lot, cross the F Street Bridge and turn left into Riverside Park. Follow the path east through Riverside Park back to the finish near the Salida Scout Hut.
Two Mile Fun Run
· Loop on dirt and gravel roads.
· 2 milers start at 8:20am and run with the last group of marathon runners for their first 2 miles.
· Race is open to everyone.
Race Schedule
Saturday, October 10, 2020
4:30 – 7:00 pm – Packet pickup in Riverside Park in front of the Salida Scout Hut (210 East Sackett Ave)
Sunday, October 11, 2020
6:30 am – Rolling packet pickup begins in front of the Salida Scout Hut (210 E. Sackett Ave)
7:30 – 7:40am – Marathon wave #1 starts in groups of 25
8:10 – 8:20am – Marathon wave #2 starts in groups of 25. Two mile fun run will also begin just after the last group of marathon runners.
9:05 – 9:15am – Half marathon wave #1 starts in groups of 25
9:45 – 9:55am – Half marathon wave #2 starts in groups of 25
10:30am – 3:30pm – runners will finish in front of the Salida Scout Hut.
Registration Information
Online registration for the 2020 Run Through Time has now reopened! Registration prices do not include on-line registration fee. Online registration will close at noon on Thursday, October 8 if races have not filled already. We will not maintain a waitlist, and there will be no race day registration. Marathon entry fee is $85 and half marathon entry fee is $65.
Refund and Transfer Policy – Entries are non refundable and non transferable. Half and full marathon competitors may also change race distance. Please email rttsalida@gmail.com by Wednesday, October 8 if you would like to change your race distance. If you switch from the half marathon to the full marathon, you will be charged the difference in entry fee price when you pick up your bib.
On-Course Aid and Support
Aid stations will be significantly pared down this year due to COVID precautions. We will have aid stations for both the half and full marathons, with a mix of typical aid station food, water, Tailwind nutrition, and VFuel gels. However, options will be much more limited than in past years, and distances between aid stations will be further apart in some sections than in previous years. Please be prepared to be much more self sufficient this year.
Recommended Gear
Face coverings will be required of all runners at packet pickup, the start/finish area, and when interacting with aid station volunteers. This is part of our COVID plan with the county, and is not optional. Thank you in advance for your respect of this rule! The marathon high point is located at 9k feet, and the half marathon high point is located at 8k feet. It’s a good idea to bring a wind layer and warm top if the weather forecast is looking iffy. The aid stations are cupless, so runners are required to carry their own water bottles. Please also be prepared to be more self sufficient with food and water this year out on the race course.
2020 Sponsors & Key Supporters
The Run Through Time really appreciates the support of local businesses such as Amicas, 7000 Feet Running Company, Salida Mountain Sports, and Wood’s High Mountain Distillery and thank them for donating prizes to this event.
Thank you to our local bike shop, Absolute Bikes, for their continued help and sponsorship. Absolute Bikes’ employees and volunteers will be out on the high point of the marathon course, and at the marathon aid station on 
CR 181. We will have Tailwind Nutrition and VFuel gel products out on course at every aid station, and thank them for their generous support. This race takes place on many trails built by Salida Mountain Trails, and the Run Through Time is a large fundraiser for this organization. Many of their volunteers will be out at aid stations and as course marshals on race day, and helping to mark and sweep the course. We have moved packet pickup from 7000 Feet Running Company due to COVID restrictions, but as always, we thank them for their support and enthusiasm for this event. The Chaffee County Running Club and the Salida High School Track and XC teams also provide volunteers and additional support for this event, and their help is also very much appreciated.
The Run Through Time is a big supporter of Salida Mountain Trails, and has served as a large fundraiser for this organization for many years. $5,000 from race proceeds was donated to SMT in 2019. In the past 7 years alone, over $35,000 has been donated in order to expand and improve trails in Salida for all trail users. Thank you to Run Through Time participants, volunteers, and sponsors for helping to make this happen!
Volunteers
If you’re not running but want to take in the excitement of the race from the course, volunteering as an aid station volunteer or course marshal is the perfect way to do that. To find out more about volunteering, please contact Kristy at rttsalida@gmail.com.
Awards and Divisions
Prizes are awarded to the top three women/men in each race and top 3 men/women in each 10 year age group. There will be no official awards ceremony, but we will do our best to alert/text as many award winners as possible so that you may pick up your award in Riverside Park.
Previous Years’ Results and Photos
Important Rules and Considerations
Any racer who fails to comply with race rules faces disqualification from the race. This includes all COVID regulations, which will be emailed to all participants and also included in a separate document on this website.
- Foot travel only.
- Time limits will be enforced for the marathon and half marathon. There will be 1 intermediate time cut off at 7 hour pace for the marathon.
- No dogs or any other animals allowed on course with racers.
- For the safety of all athletes, we ask that spectators please do not drive up CR 173 due to the narrow road, rough terrain, and blind switchbacks.
- No littering – pack it in, pack it out.
- You must follow the course – no course cutting.
- For safety, to preserve the experience, and for fairness, we do not allow crewing or pacing out on either race course.
- This is a cupless race – please carry a water bottle or other hydration system. Carrying some time of hydration system is mandatory in the marathon and strongly suggested for half marathoners.
- Per our insurance, we strongly request that runners do not use earbuds with music during the race.
- Poles, while not commonly used, are allowed in the marathon. They are not allowed in the half marathon, unless specifically approved by the race director.
- Help other runners in need.
- Obey race officials’ instructions. Please remember that all course marshals and aid station workers are volunteers – thank them for their efforts! Any complaints should be made to the race director.
- Trails will be open on race day to other users. Roads will be open to traffic throughout the race. Please be aware and respectful of other users, and use common sense around vehicle traffic.
- Race officials reserve the right to alter courses if needed based on race day conditions. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone this event based on land agency managers’ directions.
Spectator and Parking Tips
Parking on the downtown streets in Salida is limited to two hours. Please pay attention to parking signs. Overflow parking may be obtained in the parking lot on the west side of Safeway, west of G Street on 1st Street (291), and across the F Street Bridge near the start and finish area (note: this parking lot was recently expanded and now has more parking spots to the east of the F Street bridge). If those lots are full, on street parking with no time limit is available starting at roughly 3rd or 4th streets. Please also note that F Street is currently closed to vehicle traffic from 2nd street to Sackett Street, so you cannot access packet pickup or the race start/finish by car from the lower blocks of F Street.
For safety, to preserve the experience and for fairness, we do not allow crewing or pacing out on the courses. If you want to be out on the course the perfect way to do that is to volunteer to work at an aid station or as a course marshal. We’re always looking for volunteers, and your help is definitely appreciated! To find out more about volunteering, please contact rttsalida@gmail.com.
The race finish and all race day activities will take place in Riverside Park, which is located on Sackett Avenue in downtown Salida, off of F, E, and D streets. Due to group size limitations, we please ask that friends and family not congregate at the immediate start or finish area, and meet up elsewhere in town after the race is over. Spectators are encouraged out on course while maintaining social distancing guidelines from other users. If spectators cannot maintain social distancing from others not in their groups, we please ask you to use a face covering.
Race Contact
For additional questions, email Kristy Falcon at rttsalida@gmail.com.