Now in its 9th year, this ‘Epic Winter Adventure’ has become the annual kickoff event for adventurous runners and riders from all over the country.
Need to know:
- 1,500 riders and runners from 27 states will take the start line in Lyons, Colorado on Sunday 2/5/23.
- Elite riders and runners will compete for the $8,000 prize purse, including Jens Voight, Ruth Winder, and Alex House.
- The Old Man Winter Rally has seen all kinds of weather from a blizzard to a record-high sunny day. The forecast for 2023 is mild with 40-degree temps with sun
- This year, the event will move to a new venue, Bohn Park, a multi-million-dollar project completed in the wake of the historic 2013 floods.
- 5 categories: 50K Bike, 100K Bike, 10K Run, 5K Run, 10K Run / 50K Bike combo
Originally created as a way for friends to ‘rally’ together and support each other getting outside to ride on a wintry day, the Old Man Winter Rally has become one of the most popular running and riding events in Colorado. The event was built for folks that don’t hang up their bikes or running shoes during the winter and instead embrace the cold by bundling up and hitting the gravel roads and trails. “Old Man Winter is all about gearing up for winter adventure, having fun with your buddies, and enjoying a great party at the finish line” says, Josh Kravetz, the event’s founder and President of Adventure Fit, a Boulder-based Active Entertainment event company. “We like to make sure everybody has a fun day at Old Man Winter Rally – no matter what your athletic ability. This is Boulder, so you’ll see plenty of world-class athletes at the event, but we also love for this to be the first race ever for riders and runners.”
This Sunday, February 5th the event offers two bike course options: 50km and 100km, two run course options: a 5K and a 10K running race, and a Run/Bike combo that’s popular for winter multisport athletes. There will also be a huge celebration in Bohn Park for all at the after-party. And they do mean “party”. Athletes will cross the finish line and find fire pits, live music, delicious food (including s’mores) and Bootstrap Brewing Beer and June Shine cocktails.
2023 will have the biggest participation yet. The event will be capped at 1500 participants and less than 100 spots currently remain.
Old Man Winter History:
2015 – In the debut year, gravel bikes weren’t in fashion quite yet and future Tour de France stage winner Sepp Kuss nearly won on a road bike. Temps hit the high-60’s and high winds made for a breezy finish.
2016 – The running event is added, drawing in 188 participants in year one.
2018 – The course was revised due to construction, offering the first and only Northbound version which did not include the Rowena trail. Mat Stephens (winner of Unbound Gravel) and Lauren de Crescenzo (the winningest girl in gravel) taking the win.
2019 – The coldest year, never reaching above freezing throughout the whole event
2020 – A massive winter storm rolled through and ultimately, forced the cancellation of the 100K bike event 10 miles in. Riders were slipping and sliding in the epic conditions and despite the cancellation, the wild nature of it made it a monumental story in the race’s history.
2021 – One of the first COVID-friendly “DIY” style events to pick up steam, riders had the chance to ride the course with their pod, and get scored on a virtual scoreboard, or select a virtual option altogether. World Tour talents Alex Howes & Lachlan Morton teamed up and won the event.
2022 – The Rally returned from the pandemic full steam ahead, drawing in pro riders, everyday athletes and riders and runners from every background. Participants enjoyed a sunny 45-degree day
2023 – The Rally moves to a new venue, Bohn Park, a multi-million-dollar project completed in the wake the historic 2013 floods.
For those not competing, the top of the Rowena trail (off CO Rd 83) and Old Stage will be great spectating locations – showing off the variety of terrain the riders will challenge. Early February in Colorado can bring spring conditions, or mid-winter snow. A cool January and “sticky snow” will likely see a wintery route on tap. The after party in Lyons is open to all, with bonfires, s’mores, cold beer, and warm food. Join in on the winter adventure! Registration and additional event information is online at: www.OldManWinterRally.com
