After a long delayed launch, we are moving forward with the 17th annual Flagstaff Running Series thanks to sponsorship by locally based Loven Contracting. The package is a huge savings value over registering for each race separately. While we are optimistic that we will be able to host in-person races safely by August, if need be, each race can convert to the same virtual formats we used last year (see Abe Springer’s column 50 wahoos!) Remember, once you register, there are no refunds!

The Series kicks off with the Virtual Northland Hospice Run for Life 5K/10K between June 19th and July 3rd.

We hope to be in person for:

August 7th Machine Solutions Soldiers Trail Run 5K/10K,

August 14th Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff (BBBSF) Half Marathon/5K,

August 28th Gaspin’ in the Aspen 15K/5K.

October 2nd: Team Run Flagstaff Sunnyside 5K in lieu of their uncertainty of an in person July 4th Downtown Mile.

***Absent from the 2021 Series is the Sacred Mountain Prayer Run. Native Americans for Community Action have decided to focus on the event as prayer and health benefits Fun Run rather than a competitive race. Mark your calendars for their virtual run on June 5th.

Whether you choose all long courses or 5Ks, the early bird special rate is set at $150 until May 15th. After May 15th until registration closes July 31st, the cost will increase to $175. Students 18 and under can get the 5 race package for $100, increasing to $125 after May 15th. The kid’s dash package will be $50. Participants can manage their individual race choices through their profiles in the RunSignUp platform and choose to switch event distances or to run virtually. (www.runsignup.com/profile)

Thanks to Loven Contracting, all participants (except for the kid’s dash package) will get a Sweatvac hi-tech race shirt with our new Series logo on the front, and the race names and dates on the back. Series participants will also get all the swag and prizes associated with each race.

While we again won’t be scoring the Series rankings in 2021 based on a potential mix of in-person and virtual events in each race, PARTICIPATION is the key; thanks to Caleb Schiff, if you run four of the five races you will again earn a Pizzicletta pizza.