Telluride Adaptive Sports Program 5k Fundraiser Race
"Run, Walk and Roll"
Blisters & Brews is a 5k Fundraiser Race on the morning of Saturday, September 14, giving Festival attendees the opportunity to exercise before the Festival. Presented by the Telluride Blues Society, the 5k Race will raise money for the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program in remembrance of dear festival friend Felix Snow.
Through registration fees, donations and the generous support of the Telluride community, we are honored to be able to raise over $10,000 for the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program since the start of the program. We're looking forward to another amazing year of support.
Don't want to run, but want to support? Non-athletic support donations are also available.
Fees
Online until September 13 at 11:59 pm (MST): $35
Online starting September 14 at 12:00 am (MST): $45
On-site registrations: $45
Schedule
Friday, September 13
3 pm - 7:00 pm - Bib pick-up and walk-up registration inside Festival Grounds at Telluride Town Park
Saturday, September 14
7:15 - 8:00 am - Race Registration Open at Elks Park (at intersection of Colorado Ave and Oak Street)
Please note, we are not able to accept on-site registrations after 8:00 am
8:30 am - Blisters & Brews 5k Race Start
9:30 am - Race Award Ceremony
10:00 am - Free Blues & Brews Yoga Sessions
Beginning and ending in Telluride's Elks Park, Blisters & Brews provides runners with a safe, beautiful way to kick off their Saturday in downtown Telluride. The route and start / finish area have been planned to enhance the running experience and highlight the beauty of the heart of Telluride. The race route climbs up the river trail giving racers the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Bridal Veil Falls on the way up and a gentle decline for the way back down to town and ending at Elks Park followed by live music, free beer and free Yoga Sessions to bring the pre-festival vibes to a maximum. Race winners will receive a variety of gear and swag.
The Course
The 2024 race course is still being determined and will be announced soon!
The previous race course started in Elks Park and climbed up the valley towards Pandora Mine and returned along the same route. Racers would follow Colorado Avenue east and pick up the river trail, climbing to the Pandora mine. Racers would turn around and enjoy cruising down to the finish at Elks Park. Two aid stations would provide water electrolytes and snacks.
Remembering Felix Snow
Felix Snow’s life was lemonade. He had plenty of lemons – likely more than most of us could have handled. He lost the use of his legs after a car crash, but rather than bemoan the hand he was dealt, he faced his changed life with courage, humor, and passionate engagement. When he passed away in 2016, the Telluride community reeled with sorrow. Felix was a fixture at many of Telluride’s festivals and Blues and Brews was no different.
He served with Festival Communications Director, Luci Reeve, who admired him for his intelligence and charisma. “Felix was such a people person. He helped people. He also kept people in line. You cannot argue with a man in a wheelchair.” Festival Director Steve Gumble calls Felix “larger than life,” and few would argue with that assessment. He was wicked smart, bitingly funny, and that voice! Oh, that voice. His resonant baritone got him work in voice acting, and when he laughed, the world laughed with him.
Steve said it’s the perfect way to honor someone who gave his heart, soul and energy to the festival and to the community at large. “He was such an integral part of our community,” Steve said. “He fit in with our family vibe and wanted to help out however he could. We loved him.”
Words by Suzanne Cheavans, Festival Biographer
