Heading into last week’s Turkey Track Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, the only thing that could have made the event better would have been cooler temperatures and a pre-race rain to settle the dust. After a hot week and weeks without rain, it was amazing when the skies opened up Friday night and did just that, setting the stage for a perfect race day.

GECKO’s trail races are quickly gaining recognition as “must do” events. One hundred forty-two official finishers nearly doubled last year’s attendance of 75 finishers, with many returning from last year’s race to better their times. Friends and families traveled from as far away as Mexico, Austin and Chicago to spend time in our mountains and run our trails.

The Turkey Track Trail Race showcased Pagosa’s incredible trail system, our beautiful mountain and meadow scenery and, most importantly, our awesome local people.

The marathon and half marathon kicked off at 8 a.m. Runners began crossing the finish line at 9:25 a.m. and streamed in until just after 4 p.m.

Each runner who crossed the finish line received a handmade medal created by Pagosa Springs Elementary art teacher Tessie Garcia.

Racers commented on the great enthusiasm and support they received along the 26.2-mile route. Aid stations were manned with volunteers from across the community: Wolf Creek Wheel Club, Pagosa Trail Riders, teachers, retirees and high school students, including Abby Hicklin, one of this year’s GECKO scholarship recipients. Lots of volunteers gave their time to support the runners and cheer them on.

The ideal weather and quality of the field led to course record times in the ladies’ marathon, Ashley Hunter Arnold — 3:52:26; men’s marathon, Jeremy Duncan — 3:23:49; and men’s 1/2 marathon Logan Ott — 1:25:51.

Several local runners placed in the medals. Among marathon runners, they were Patrick O’Brien, second, men 30-39 and Ed Furtaw, first, men 60-69. Among half-marathon runners, they were Margie Nigg, first, women 20-29; Karen Bunning, second, women 40-49; Emily Deitz, first, women 50-59; Scott Slind, third, men 40-49; Jeff Blackwell, third, men 50-59; and Larry Fisher, third, men 60-69.

Tony Simmons and his amazing crew at Pagosa Brewing Company hosted the after-party celebration.

The story of the day, and perfectly aligning with GECKO’s mission of getting kids outside, was 9-year-old Jackson Shoots, who ran the entire 26.2-mile marathon in a time of 5:58:54! Jackson came to Pagosa with his parents and sister and ran the race with his mom and dad. Smiling all the way and finishing strong, Jackson received a special handmade trophy created by local ReSport owner Scott Slind. Smiling every minute, and eating his share of pizza at the after-party event, Jackson exemplified what trail running is all about — family, friends, tired muscles and a little bit of dirt!