NEW FUN EVENT! Uncle Clyde’s Run & Slide – Mar. 4!
Everything You Need To Know by Matthew Krichman, events manager at Purgatory
Event Date: Saturday, March 4, 2017
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Purgatory’s tubing hill (Columbine area)
Cost: $25 per team
The beauty of Uncle Clyde’s Run & Slide is in its simplicity. Teams complete as many up-down relay laps as they can on Purgatory’s tubing hill in 90 minutes. It sounds ridiculous, possibly strenuous and undoubtedly fun. Matthew Krichman, events manager at Purgatory Resort, answers a few questions about the upcoming event.
Q: Who is Uncle Clyde and why did you name this event after him?
A: Clyde is my dog, and I’ve always wanted to name a race after him because he’s an amazing runner. And he’s a total goofball and loves the snow, so I thought this would be an appropriate event to put his name on.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Uncle Clyde’s Run & Slide?
A: At the Cardboard Derby last year, I saw all the participants huffing and puffing as they dragged their derby racers up the hill, and I thought “Wouldn’t it be fun to watch people running laps on this hill with tubes?”
Q: Who is this event geared to?
A: Two different audiences: Endurance athletes who want to test their lungs and quads, and parent/kid teams and couples who just want to have a super fun time, be goofy, get some good exercise, and enjoy the excitement of the tubing hill.
Q: What gear should participants bring with them?
A: No gear required. We provide the tubes. All you need to bring is appropriate clothing and footwear, and of course a good attitude!
Q: How should spectators dress? Participants?
A: Costumes! Other than that, it’s basically whatever you’re warm and comfortable in when exercising in the snow.
Q: What can spectators expect to see at this event?
A: This is a great spectator event because all of the action takes place right in front of you on the tubing hill. We want lots of spectators at the base of the tubing hill cheering on the athletes as they pass through the transition area on each lap.
Q: Will there be music or food at the event?
A: We’ll be spinning tunes to keep the runners and spectators pumped up, and roasting s’mores for everyone.
Q: How are participants divided?
A: We have three open divisions for adults—men’s team, women’s team, and coed team. The two other divisions are the parent/kid’s team and the kid’s team.
Q: Do you expect the competition among endurance athletes will be fierce?
A: That’s the coolest thing about this event. While lots of teams will be out there just to have a good time, I expect plenty will be really serious about winning. After all, Durango is known for its endurance athletes, and since this is a first time event, someone is going to set a course record!
Q: How will prizes be awarded? Can you give us a sneak peek of what prizes to expect?
A: Prizes will be awarded to winning teams in each division, plus prizes for costumes, enthusiasm, and best cheering section.
If Uncle Clyde’s Run & Slide sounds like the event for you, sign up now—this event is limited to 60 teams!
For additional information on rules, safety, weather, parking and prizes, visit the event page.
