Alley Loop Nordic Marathon brings out all kinds in Crested Butte

The 23rd annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon on Jan. 31 not only is the highest-altitude Nordic marathon in the United States, it reflects the athletic and free-spirited nature of Crested Butte, Colo. This American Birkebeiner qualifying race starts and finishes in the heart of Crested Butte on Elk Avenue (a National Historic District since 1974) and winds its way through streets, alleyways and Nordic trail system located on the outskirts of this historic mining town.

The Alley Loop, also a Colorado Cup Series Race, combines Crested Butte’s laid-back atmosphere with the locals’ play-hard nature to create an event that embraces all abilities and ages competing on skate or classic skis. Course lengths of 1.5K, 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K are offered. Organized by the Crested Butte Nordic Center and sponsored by Cross Country Skier, Coldwell Banker Bighorn Realty and the Town of Crested Butte, the races begin at 9:30 a.m.

While the Alley Loop has a serious side as a qualifier for the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon, locals host parties on their decks to watch racers from across the country and survey the attire of less-serious competitors. Be on the lookout for pirates, ladybugs, Vikings, lizards, disco kings and queens. New Belgium Brewing’s Taste of the Alley Beer Garden on the deck of the Brick Oven also offers a great spot to watch the race.

Prizes are awarded at a post-race ceremony to the overall winners and to the “The Croatian” (the lucky racer who finishes with the exact median race time), and there’s an abundance of raffle prizes for racers and volunteers. Visit www.cbnordic.org for race information and online registration instructions or call (970) 349-1707.