The Raptor Resolution Run

by Jay Zarr & Ron Dehn

Runners – New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and here are some suggestions on how to begin your New Year’s celebration. Consider combining a traditional idea with some very unique circumstances. How about this:

1. Show up at the Yurt at the Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo at 9:15 am with your running or walking shoes and be ready to do your last workout of 2011.

2. Commit one or more 2012 resolutions to paper.

3. Run or walk a beautiful out and back course near the Arkansas River.

4. Join your friends inside the yurt for hot cocoa or hot cider along with a few sweet carbs

5. Hope you are one of the winners because you have never seen prizes like these at a race.

Interested yet?

Here’s a few of the details. The inaugural Raptor Resolution Run (R³ for short) will be held at the Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo at 10 am on December 31^st. The Run will be 5 miles on a relatively flat and beautiful course paralleling the Arkansas River. The Walk will be a 2012 yard (1.143 mile) walk in the same area.

We all want to improve some aspect of our lives, right? You will have the opportunity to write down some resolutions for 2012 and place them in a self-addressed envelope and about six months later, your resolutions will show up in your mailbox so you can see how well you are doing.

Warm refreshments will be served in the yurt after the race in case December 31^st just happens to be a cool day. By the way – the yurt is heated.

And… you have never seen prizes like these. The first overall male and female finishers will be awarded with a raptor release. A what you ask? Yes – these two lucky individuals will make arrangements with the Nature Center staff to host a raptor release or a raptor presentation at the location of their choice at some future date. (Limited to Southern Colorado & other restrictions based upon type of raptor.) How cool would that be for your kid’s birthday party, classroom event, or your own family get together?

Those speedy individuals who take first place within their age / gender divisions will win a free Nature & Raptor Family annual membership. Second and third place winners will be awarded Nature Center pins.

As a bonus, an R³ runner’s or walker’s bib will give you and your family (up to 5 individuals) a 10% discount on meals purchased immediately after the awards ceremony at the Coyote Grille; so have a great lunch in a great setting at a great price. The Arkansas River Coffee company which is located on the grounds of the “Center” will award all participants a 2 for 1 coupon as well. The award ceremony will be at 11:15 and there will be some additional Yurt prizes drawn from bib numbers. All runners who meet the early registration deadline will be guaranteed t-shirts, refreshments, and we will do our best to guarantee a good time.

What a way to run or walk into a GREAT New Year! 2012, here we come!