Emma Coburn’s Elk Run 5k this Saturday

Fundraiser for Living Journeys

[  by Than Acuff  ]

The timing couldn’t be better. Just as the fall colors are starting to take hold, people will be lining up for the annual Elk Run 5k in Crested Butte on Saturday, September 24.

The event was the brainchild of Emma Coburn and husband Joe Bosshard. Coburn’s running legacy in Crested Butte and on the worldwide stage is prolific. Cutting her teeth on competitive sports right here as a Crested Butte Titan, Coburn went on to run the steeplechase for the University of Colorado eventually turning pro as a New Balance athlete racking up ten National titles, a World title as well as a bronze medal in the Olympics.

All the while, Coburn kept her hometown in her heart and they started the Elk Run 5k as a fundraiser for Living Journeys.

Since the inception of the Elk Run 5k, the event has raised $215,000 for Living Journeys and organizers are looking to tack on another $75,000 with the event this year.

The racecourse starts and finishes at the intersection of Third Street and Elk Avenue and the day kicks off with high school cross country races at 8:30 and 9:20 a.m. Then, the field of citizens and elite runners will line up for their race start at 10:15 a.m.

Once they’ve all crossed the finish line, 80’s band the Goonies will take the stage for the after party with drinks and dancing all afternoon. The day concludes at the Talk of the Town with the after after party at 8 p.m. complete with a Rodeo theme.

For more information or to register and/or donate, go to elkrun5k.com