The annual Resolution Run’s tagline this year was “Snow or shine!” – but there was no sign of snow on the morning of Jan. 1. In all, 131 runners from across Southern Colorado and beyond joined Fremont Adventure Recreation for the fourth annual Resolution Run 5K and 10K event.

The Resolution Run is designed to be an event for the whole family – one that each member can participate in. The 5K event is open to runners and walkers, and the 10K is a perfect distance for more dedicated runners. The courses utilized the trails from PCC to Tunnel Drive, offering participants the opportunity to run through all three historic tunnels. Additionally, a FREE kid’s race, which took place on the ‘Geology Time Trail’ – provided a short, .38-mile loop in front of the Pueblo Community College Campus for younger runners.

Sean and Nikki Reynolds brought their children to participate in the event, which they also did last year. They enjoy the fun atmosphere of the run and like the opportunity to allow the kids to participate in a community-oriented event.

“I can’t think of a better way to start the year than getting out for a physical challenge and putting healthy habits up front,” Reynolds says. “My wife and I love these events and bringing our boys around such positivity and healthy people celebrating the outdoors.”

As Cañon City residents, they also appreciate introducing their three sons to the vast opportunity for outdoor recreation in the region.

The Lenard family, consisting of Kalem and Tenille, kids Maya and Mason, plus grandparents Rona and Guy Knapp, brought home three age-group medals. Guy was also the oldest runner – at 77 years young – to participate in the event. Director Brian VanIwarden’s family was at the event, with wife Jennifer and son Lincoln running the 5K, and kids Lorelei and Lincoln volunteering on the course.

“It’s fun to watch some of our family run and some volunteer,” he says. “Everyone gets to do what they enjoy.”

FAR, like most non-profit organizations, relies on the support of board members and volunteers for their events throughout the year.

“This event is such a fun way to bring the community out on New Year’s,” says event director Ashlee Sack, “and not just the participants: we have over a dozen volunteers who give their time and support to this event and it’s fun to have them join in, too.”

Sack noted that new volunteer Lana Taton Young volunteered at the event because her niece, sponsored ultra-runner Hillary Allen, would “be proud of her.” Some volunteers also supported the event because family members or friends were running.

The winners of the 5K event were Ryan Gillespie with a time of 21:55 and Jen VanIwarden at 24:23. Winners of the 10K were Scott Wiseman with a time of 43:59 and Rebecca Gotthardt with 46:43.

Special thanks goes to event supporters Big Cat Plumbing, SoCo Nutrition, Little Canyon Inn, Natural Grocers, Pueblo Community College, the Handlebar, and assistance from the Cañon City Parks and Cemetary Department. Complete race results can be found at joinFAR.org.