07/15/2026
We're excited to welcome you to the inaugural Festival 5K & Doggie Dash this Saturday!
Before we jump into the race day details, we want to share one important thing: This event is all about FUN!
Yes, we'll undoubtedly have some incredibly fast runners toeing the start line, and we'll be recognizing the Top 3 Overall Men and Top 3 Overall Women with awards. But this isn't a race that's only about finish times.
It's about getting outside on a beautiful Colorado morning, enjoying some fresh mountain air, spending time with family and friends, walking (or running!) with your dog, and kicking off an amazing day at Festival in the Clouds. Most importantly, every registration helps support the Northwest Fire Protection District IAFF Local 5227, whose firefighters proudly serve our community all year long.
Whether you're chasing a personal best, jogging with friends, strolling with the kids, or simply showing up for pancakes afterward, you're exactly where you belong.
Thank you for supporting this great cause—we can't wait to see you at the starting line!
Race Day Details
Date: Saturday, July 18
Location: In front of the Fire Station on Buckskin Road between Highway 9 and Pine Street
Packet Pickup & Race Day Check-In: If you haven't already registered it really helps us if you register ahead of time. Race day reg is available but we will not be able to take credit cards - just cash or check. We will open up packet pickup and on site registration at 6:30 a.m. at the Fire Station.
Race Start: 7:30 a.m following an athlete briefing at 7:20 a.m. and the National Anthem at 7:25 a.m.
Doggie Dash: Dogs are welcome! Please keep them leashed at all times and clean up after your furry running partner. We have special "race bibs" for your four legged pacer.
Awards: Top 3 Overall Men & Top 3 Overall Women. First place male and demale receive a FREE T-shirt at the Festival Merch tent
Aid Station: We will have water at the start and the finish. 1.5 miles up on the course is our now famous Tiki Bar - be sure to say hi to Gary the Alma Town Adminstrator and his crew who are volunteering and don't forget to slow down and "Get Lei'd". The Tiki Bar will have pretzels, gels, oreo cookies, bananas and of course Pina Colada's - with and without the Colada 🙂.
Timing: We will be timing this event but it may be a little old school. Our timer has had an emergency and is unable to travel to Alma for the event. Instead we will be taking down your finish times as you cross the finish line and sending them over to him. He will publish the results on "It's Your Race". It may not be Garmin exact but it will be close!
Post-Race Pancake Breakfast: Stick around after the race for a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by the Northwest Fire Protection District. It's the perfect way to refuel before heading over to Festival in the Clouds for a full day of free music, art, food, and community fun. Your race bib gets you free entry into the breakfast.
Parking: Its going to be trickie. Please do NOT park in front of the businesses on Main street. Park instead down by Town Hall at the Festival parking area. If you are local and can walk - YAY!! More mileage. If you are local and have a bike we will set up a bike rack next to the finish line and your bike will be waiting for you when you finish.
Course Map: Super easy. Up and back on Buckskin Road with a loop around the Alma Cemetary. Follow the blue ribbons in the trees.
If you have any questions before race morning, simply reply to this email. Thank you again for being part of our very first Festival 5K & Doggie Dash. We can't wait to share a fun morning with all of you!
See you Saturday!
P.S. There is still time to register so grab your tribe and come on down - https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Alma/FestivalInTheCloudsFireman5KFunRunAndDoggieDash
