The Kennebec Challenge Mountain Runs made a subtle name change this year, reflecting a somewhat bigger change.
An 8.5-mile fun run will make its debut Saturday to open the door for families or less competitive fitness buffs to take a turn at a section of the course in La Plata Canyon.
But lest anyone be worried that the same 15-mile competitive crucible will undergo changes, don’t be. The same competitive 15-mile run through the canyon is locked and loaded for another strong go-round.
The race will begin in earnest at 8 a.m. from the La Plata City campground, with those needing to start early able to do so at 7:30 a.m. Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., as well. The course will close at 1 p.m.
And, speaking of registration, race director Gail Harriss said she thinks early registrations are increased this time around from a year ago.
“I think it’s a little up this year, and we usually have race-day registrants,” she said.
And several race-day registrants will have a shot to factor into the mix. On the men’s side, none of last year’s top three finishers – champion Brendan Trimboli, Tyler Curtis and Marco Zuniga – have registered, although there’s the possibility they could, of course, Saturday morning.
But of those registered, Erik Skaggs may be the man to beat. Skaggs won the 24-mile Kendall Mountain Run in 4 hours, 9 minutes, 26 seconds July 20 in Silverton and set a new course record to win the 28.4-mile Quad Dipsea race in Mill Valley, Calif., in November, clocking in with a time of 3:53.6.
“Skaggs is a pretty well-known, fast runner,” Harriss said.
Michael Oliva, who finished second at the 52-mile Desert Rats Running Festival in April, could make some noise, as well.
Defending women’s champion Caitlin Prescott did not preregister but still could make an appearance.
Leah Fein, who was just two seconds shy of knocking off Prescott last year, is in the field again. So, too, is second-year Kennebec Challenge competitor Angela Ochoa, who finished third last year.
“Leah Fein, I know she signed up. We have some people who are consistent folks who like to come,” Harriss said.
Joining the duo will be Jennifer Shelton, who captured the women’s title in the 24-mile Kendall Mountain Run last month, and Elisa Mullikin, who was third in the Steamworks Half Marathon back in June.
The runners alternate direction each year, and 2013 is a clockwise year.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Durango Motorless Transit Fort Lewis Scholarship and La Plata County Search and Rescue. And, for the second consecutive year, the race will be run in memory of Alex Tejada, a long-time sponsor and volunteer for the race who died last year.
rowens@durangoherald.com
