We are sending you and your families happy, healthy, positive thoughts. This spring has been one for the history books. We are all learning a new way of living and learning more about ourselves and our strength while being safer at home.

It is with giant tears that we must cancel the 2020 Slacker Races event. We arrived at this very difficult decision by considering guidance from local, state and federal authorities. Based on what they know and predict, we cannot responsibly plan to host the event on its intended date, June 27. Right now, when we have to decide whether to invest in an event for that date, it seems unlikely that an event for 2000 of you beautiful Slackers will be permitted by June 27, 2020.

The State Epidemiologist’s model does not demonstrate a decrease in COVID-19 cases in the near future. Instead, it predicts increased hospitalizations beginning in May, not peaking until September. This is a prediction that likely will turn out wrong to some degree, perhaps small, perhaps large.  But it is the planning tool we have now, when our decisions must be made, and we must plan thinking of you and our volunteers.

Hosting an event for some 2000 people with 200+ volunteers cannot be done at the last minute. While you amazing Slackers are among the healthiest of us, what is believed now is that our event is the perfect way to spread the virus among the racers and volunteers. Our event requires 200+ volunteers and right now many of them cannot make a commitment for June 27; we cannot commit to the event without their commitment to us even if we were allowed to hold it. We cannot afford to invest in an event that cannot occur. We want to make a responsible and healthy decision for you and our volunteers. We appreciate your understanding.

We surveyed many of you online and you gave us a definite answer of “Not Interested in participating in a virtual event.” We understand your views.

• We realize that there is no way to duplicate the Slacker experience, but after all of the training you have done, if you would like to do the race virtually then we have made that option available, and it does not affect your deferral or refund request.

• Simply run your 13.1 or 4 mile distance on the course of your choosing between June 20th and June 30th. Someplace near your home is preferred to adhere to the "Safer at Home" policy, and please follow social distancing recommendations.

• Once you are finished, go to this link: http://racingunderground.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16436&RId=408

• Search for your name, and then click the "Edit Time" link associated with your name. You can enter the time it took you to complete your virtual race, and if you recorded this on your GPS watch or a fitness app on your phone, you can enter the link to your run map. Entering the link to your GPS map is completely optional, but if you do, you should set the privacy setting to "Public" or "Everyone" so people can view your route.  

All run times must be entered no later than midnight on June 30th.

While many races have sought reschedule dates for the fall months, we are learning that even this is risky, and that large gatherings may still be restricted. More importantly, after directing the race for almost 20 years, the last thing we want to do is step on the toes of our fellow races and directors, and the charities they benefit, who have also worked hard for their dates this fall. Rescheduling to later this year appears selfish and disrespectful of the efforts our fellow races have made for their own events. We hope they can hold them, you can participate, and they have successful events.

Come join us for the highest DOWNHILL half marathon in the country and possibly the highest DOWNHILL 4 Mile Run!

Do not be misled by the name but this is the Slacker Half Marathon/4M Race! It is the highest downhill half marathon in the country–beginning at 10,630 feet and traveling over a rolling hill descent to 8400 feet! The half marathon begins at Loveland Ski Area--BASIN and travels the first mile on dirt roads before joining a non-motorized paved bike path for five miles through a Forest Service area of wetlands and natural waterfalls on a trail built to sustain the weight of an ambulance!

https://www.slackerhalfmarathon.com/

All Parking for all races is at Loveland Ski Area!

The Slacker Races are proud to be a nonprofit corporation (501-C3) which benefits the following charities:

Youth Activities Scholarship Program

Clear Creek-Gilpin Animal Shelter-Spay/Neuter Program

Mount Evans Home Health & Hospice