The Emerald Mountain Epic will soon return for its 14th year and it still has room for participants. 

The Epic raises money for Routt County Riders and Partners For Youth. Races will take off from the base of Howelsen Hill at 7 a.m. Aug. 3 and 4, with bike races on Saturday and running on Sunday. Online registration for the race will remain open at EmeraldMTNEpic.org through Aug. 1. 

“The event is the largest fundraiser for two local nonprofits,” race director Olympia Von Berg said. “One is Routt County Riders and the other is Partners For Youth. Routt County Riders’ mission is to advocate for positive change for cyclists in Northwest Colorado. Partners For Youth is a mentorship program where they pair up adults with kids who might not have an adult to go to in their life. All the proceeds of this event goes toward them.”

The annual race began in 2010 as the Steamboat Stinger. In 2019, the event switched into the two nonprofits’ hands and is now called the Emerald Mountain Epic.

“We will accept on-site registration during packet pickup, which is Aug. 2, and during both race mornings but the races will be higher,” Von Berg said. “We encourage people to sign up before Aug. 2.” 

This year’s event will feature two new racing categories, one for biking and one for running. 

On wheels, competitors can now choose the 26-mile lap and race it as a solo competitor. Runners can take on a shorter 10-kilometer run, which Von Berg said is a great option for last-minute registrants. 

Other bike day options include teaming up for two 26 miles laps completed relay-style or a solo 52-mile ride. On top of the 10k, runners can choose from a full marathon and half marathon. 

The most daring participants can take on the Royalty of the Boat challenge, in which the athletes must complete both the solo 52-mile mountain bike and full marathon to be crowned a king or queen. Princes and Princesses are crowned for taking on the single-lap mountain bike and the half marathon. 

All races will begin and end at the base of Howelsen Hill. There will also be food trucks and lunch provided by Ice House for participants only. Storm Peak Brewing will have beers available for participants as well. 

“It is a great community event,” Von Berg said. “We have music at the base with beer and vendors. It’s a celebration of Emerald Mountain and the world-class trails we have in Steamboat. It’s a great time to bring all the people that ride bikes and run trails together in one weekend.”