CREEDE — Ever wonder how far some people must walk to get clean water? Another annual event — Run Off Run Off — is ready to hit the starting line this weekend in Creede and people who participate will find out exactly how far some people walk to get clean water and on average that is about 26 miles.

This popular event began in 2010 to raise awareness about the importance of water and what people can do to ensure clean water is available to everyone. What started as an educational project by Willow Creek Reclamation Committee and now the newly formed Headwaters Alliance, this race has brought people from all over the country and from all athletic levels to the small mountain town.

The event began as a way to educate the public on the importance of preserving the nation’s headwater rivers like the Rio Grande. In the early days, when Forrest Getz and Heather Dutton started the event, it was known to locals as the High Country Hustle and was the only fundraising event for the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee for the year. The funds went directly to WCRC projects for the coming year and usually took place in April.

For the past 13 years, minus one that was delayed due to COVID-19 in 2020, this race has helped raise funding for reclamation and water preservation projects throughout the Creede area. Not much has changed since those early days but now the race includes a 6.6 K, half-marathon, and marathon options as well as a new course that takes participants along the Rio Grande and through some of the beautiful country surrounding Creede.

This year’s event kicks off Saturday, June 3. People can register that morning at Hargraves Park located south of Creede. Participants in the event will return to Hargraves Park from their designated starting point depending on the race they are participating in. A full map of the racecourse can be found at www.runoffrunoff.com.

After finishing the race, participants are welcomed back with award medals, great food, music and more. Be sure to come out and cheer on participants as they venture to and from town.