A cool wind was blowing, lungs were bursting, and of course hearts were pounding for the 5^th annual Catch Me If You Can 10k & 5k at Red Truck Beer Company this month. After weeks of regular snow storms it was a breath of fresh air to have clear paths to run/race and participants responded with fast times and finish line smiles.

True to the race name and for a unique Valentine’s theme the race featured a wave start giving the ladies a head start in each distance, 5 minutes for the 10k and 3 minutes for the 5k, ahead of the men. This also serves as a creative way to spread runners out on an out and back course on the bike path.

Male winners of the 10k race were Ridouane Harroufi coming in first with a time of 30:39 (4:56 per mile pace), Matthew Drake in second (34:47), and Matthew Flachs placing 3^rd overall. AnnMarie Kirkpatrick won the Women’s 10k race with a time of 37:02 (5:58 per mile), followed by Brooke Clayton in second (42:11) and Mandy Mullen in 3^rd (44:52). Dylan Cheever crossed first in the Men’s 5k category with a time of 17:27, followed by Benjamin Randall (17:28), and Dalton Kaines (17:42). Sophie Anders took home the win for the women’s 5k race with a time of 19:51, followed by Tatum Berg (20:26), and Katrina Lems (20:43).

Overall and age group awards were presented and winners enjoyed a little more Valentine themed love from Me Oh My Coffee and Pie who baked mini heart shaped pies for the sweetest awards of the year. Our furry running buddies were not left out, top 3 dog finishers in each race were also awarded with treat baskets from Poudre Pet & Feed.

The post-race party featured live music and banter from the hilarious and talented due, Ginger Whale. Participants enjoyed fresh and tasty brews and burritos from Red Truck Beer Company, and more food and beverage from local businesses LaMars Donuts and Dutch Brother’s Coffee.

Participants, volunteers, spectators, and our furry friends took their turns in the Kissing Booth to celebrate the end of the race and the happy hearts felt by all.

Green Events gave some love to local organizations by donating race proceeds to the CSU Triathlon team and Poudre and Rocky Mountain High School Cross Country teams.

This race closed out the Front Range Freeze winter series of run + fun winter events and we had a blast with all of you at each event! Now it’s almost time to welcome spring and enjoy the longer days to train. Mark you calendars and sign up soon for the Spring Equinox and 4 Mile race on March 22^nd.