Get ready for an awe-inspiring day in the mountains, because the Marble Charter School’s 23rd annual Lead King Loop Charity Race is slated for Sept. 14. This year, participants can run, hike or walk in one of three races: the 25k Lead King Loop, the eight-mile Quarry Climb or the kids’ 2.5k fun run. The beloved community event is also the school’s largest fundraiser.
“The race is a demonstration of the community effort and the support the Marble Charter School has,” said Sam Richings-Germain, the school’s director. “The Town and the businesses have always been incredibly supportive of the school. Everyone is doing everything possible to help us be successful.”
Recognized for its surrounding beauty and charitable cause, the Lead King Loop is one of five races included in the “Colorado Mountain Half+ Marathon Series” — a summer-long event featuring unique races hosted by nonprofit organizations supporting youth programs. Because of this extra exposure, and the intention behind it, the race attracts athletes from across the state and consistently sells out. Last year, 164 athletes participated.
Marble’s day of racing will begin with the 25k Lead King Loop, starting from Thompson Park; the hiking and walking group begins at 7am, while runners depart at 8:30am. The course circumnavigates Sheep Mountain by connecting Lead King Basin Road and Crystal Road. A strenuous start, athletes will ascend nearly 2,900 feet in elevation over about five miles. Fortunately, what goes up must come down. Athletes will be rewarded with a generous descent into the Lead King Basin, where rugged mountains, changing aspens and glistening waterfalls await. At 10,000 feet, the course continues onward past the historic Crystal Mill, through the old mining town of Crystal and down Daniel’s Hill to the finish line.
“Going to the Crystal Mill is so incredible, but once you go beyond the mill it only gets more beautiful,” gushed Richings-Germain.
For the second year since its reintroduction, the out-and-back Quarry Climb is a shorter option for athletes on race day. At 8:45am, hikers, walkers and runners will race from Marble Children’s Park and climb roughly 1,500 feet in elevation over four-miles along Yule Marble Quarry Road. The road is typically quiet on Sundays and offers sweeping views of the Maroon Bells and Ragged Wilderness areas. Turning around at the quarry site, athletes will then glide downhill to the finish.
Finally, at 9am, kids can enjoy a 2.5k out-and-back jaunt to Beaver Lake.
Richings-Germain said this is a great time for newcomers to try the loop because it is supported by a dedicated and knowledgeable group of volunteers who cheer on athletes and ensure all needs are met. Each course will have multiple aid stations that include water, gels and sports drinks, courtesy of Independence Run and Hike, and minor first aid supplies. EMT support will be available at the park.
“The race is completely designed, developed, maintained and sustained by the community,” said Richings-Germain. “It was created by a previous school director and her family. Over time it has ebbed and flowed, but there are regular volunteers who come back every year to help.”
At the finish, athletes can recover with complementary food and drinks courtesy of Slow Groovin BBQ and Mountain Heart Brewing, respectively. Prizes for the overall female and male winners in addition to age-group winners will be handed out at the end. All athletes will receive an entry into the raffle, a t-shirt and a student-designed medal to commemorate the experience.
While race day is sure to be memorable for the athletes, the day’s proceeds will be life changing for the students. Due to its small size, Marble Charter School has been operating on a tight budget since its reestablishment in 1995. This year, the school has a fundraising goal of $40,000. Proceeds from the race will fund instructional, administrative, building and custodial supplies as well as staff training, curriculum expenses and more.
“This race makes it possible for us to provide an enriching and exceptional education for kids,” concluded Richings-Germain. “By running in this race you’re part of something bigger. You’re doing something fun with the community, it’s good for your health and it makes a huge difference for the nearly 40 students and teachers at Marble Charter School.”
Registration is available online. Registered racers can pick up their packet on Sept. 13 between 10am and 6pm at Independence Run and Hike, when last-minute registration will also be available. Visit www.leadkingloop.com for more details.