Carlsbad Roadrunners to Host Trail Race

By Michele Robertson

On your mark. Get set…GO! Carlsbad is just a couple of weeks shy from hosting the Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge.

The Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge will take place on Saturday, November 8, starting at 8 a.m. This trail race is brought to you by the Carlsbad Roadrunners club, will utilize the Ocotillo Nature Trail, and includes several race options. Race directors are Ron Haugen and Liz Cheli, avid runners and triathletes, as well as members of the Carlsbad Roadrunners running club.

“We’re hosting this race to bring the community together, encourage outdoor activity, and showcase the beauty of our local trails,” Haugen said.

“Unlike most local 5Ks that take place on roads, this event offers runners a chance to experience a new setting and enjoy the natural scenery our area has to offer. The proceeds of this race will go to the Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, located here in Carlsbad,” he added.

Registration for the Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge will be open until 30 minutes before the race begins. “We’ve already had a number of runners sign up from both our local community and some from out of state, and we’re really happy to see people getting excited about it. We’re still spreading the word, so we’re hoping to see even more folks join in as race day gets closer,” Haugen said.

“The race takes place on the Ocotillo Trail here in Carlsbad. It’s a two-mile loop with a steady uphill climb for the first mile and a downhill stretch on the way back. Runners can choose between one-hour, four-hour, or eight-hour options, and we’ll be counting the number of loops completed to determine the winners,” explained Haugen.

It’s ideal to prepare for a race like this. Haugen’s advice right now is to get out on the trail and familiarize yourself with the terrain. “The city of Carlsbad recently resurfaced it with fresh gravel, and it’s a beautiful route surrounded by Chihuahuan Desert vegetation. Once you reach the top, you get some great views overlooking Carlsbad,” he added.

“As for race day, we can’t predict the weather that time of year. It could still be hot and sunny, so we’re reminding runners to dress light, wear sunscreen, and bring a hat. Mornings can start off a bit cool, so having a light layer or gloves you can shed as it warms up is a good idea,” Haugen encouraged.

“We’d love to make this an annual event! It’s the first time Liz Cheli and I have taken on the role of race directors, so we’re putting a lot of heart into making it a success. We’re excited to hear feedback from everyone who participates so we can keep improving and bring it back every year,” he said.

“Our goal is to bring more events to Carlsbad and the southern part of New Mexico. When people think of New Mexico’s natural beauty, they often picture the north—places like Taos and Santa Fe—but we have so much to offer here with our trail systems and the Pecos River,” Haugen said.

“Neighboring Ruidoso will be hosting the XTERRA Triathlon World Championships and New Mexico’s first Ironman next year. These are global organizations, and they chose little Ruidoso—proof that even smaller communities can host major events. That really inspires us to build a strong local community of athletes of all skill levels and bring more races to our region,” he added.

“We’d love to bring back the marathon and even introduce a triathlon in Carlsbad soon. We already partner with a number of running and triathlon clubs in other towns, and many of them have expressed interest in supporting events here as well,” Haugen said.

“In addition, we have a weekly run every Monday at 6 p.m., alternating between the Ocotillo Trail and a neighborhood road run that starts and ends at the Nurvis Purvis Brewery. After the run, we hang out, share a pint, and talk about running,” he said.

“Anyone who wants to meet us, ask questions about the race, or just chat about running is more than welcome to join! You can also join our Facebook group, Carlsbad Roadrunners, where we post our weekly schedule,” he added.

Haugen and Cheli would like to mention and thank the area businesses that have helped with the race and the club: Carlsbad Local, Nurvis Purvis Brewery, City of Carlsbad, SENMC, and Cloudcroft 53K.

The Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge is located in the beautiful Southwestern Chihuahuan Desert, along the Ocotillo Trail that is near SENMC and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. To register for this race, visit www.runsignup.com and search for Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge.