Strap on your snowshoes, the 21st Sandia Snowshoe Classic 5K race is set for Jan. 18 on the Sandia Crest in the Cibola National Forest, despite lower-than-average snowfall this year.
Registration is $45 and includes refreshments, swag and parking. With 125 of the 175 spots already filled, now is the time to sign up — this popular race has a history of selling out, and no race-day registration will be available.
The Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM) organize the race, which is open to participants 13 and older and combines the thrill of winter sports with support for forest conservation. This year’s race was in danger of being canceled due to unseasonably warm weather and low snowfall.
“This year is a little unusual because we had a big early snowfall up on the mountain that dumped three feet of snow,” said Mike Madden, president of FOSM and director of the Sandia Snowshoe Classic. “Now it’s been eight weeks where it’s been bone dry and unseasonably warm, so the registrations have been a little slow.”
FOSM has sponsored this January event under a Forest Service permit since 2001 with cancellations in 2018 due to lack of snow and 2021 during the COVID pandemic. The intention has always been to create a fun event for participants of all ages and skill levels but elite racers show up to compete.
After some participants pointed out a couple of years ago that the course was a little short of a 5K, FOSM stopped calling it the Sandia Snowshoe Race and began referring to it as the Sandia Snowshoe Classic. Nonetheless, last year the course was lengthened to a full 5K using a section of the Tram service road, and this year they will utilize JackRabbit Race Management professional timing experts to record accurate race times.
Winners in each age group will select one merchandise prize donated by REI and Heart and Soul Running, valued at about $50, including running vests, restaurant coupons and tram tickets.
The top three male and female finishers will earn cash prizes — $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. All participants will also receive a race-branded coffee mug and tote bag.
According to Madden, the race start may be adjusted due to icy conditions. While the course has a good snow layer, the transition zone into the parking lot is expected to be icy from sun exposure. If needed, adjustments will be made on race day to ensure a safe start on snow rather than ice.
To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, Madden said about 40 Cibola Search and Rescue members and experienced course marshals will be on hand to monitor the race and provide assistance in case of injuries.
A water station will also be available at the Ellis Trailhead, located about halfway through the course, to help runners stay hydrated.
Event proceeds directly fund trail maintenance and preservation efforts in the Sandia Ranger District, ensuring sustainable recreation for years to come.
FOSM—incorporated as New Mexico Friends of the Forest—is a nonprofit organization that partners with the United States Forest Service to protect and restore forest lands’ natural, cultural and scenic resources. Its focus is conservation and education within the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest and adjacent lands.
Madden said that, weather permitting, FOSM volunteers are on the mountain three to four days a week and clocked in about 9,000 hours of labor last year assisting the Forest Service with tasks like keeping trails clear and picnic areas tidy.
“If a tree falls down in the trail, we remove it to keep the corridors open for people to recreate,” Madden said. “We do painting, we’ve re-roofed restrooms and outhouses, we’ve painted kiosks and signs. We have a chainsaw crew that are certified with the Forest Service so we do a lot of good for people’s recreational experience.”
The Sandia Snowshoe Classic kicks off at 11 a.m. at Sandia Crest on NM 536 West in Sandia Park. Race proceeds support Friends of the Sandia Mountains, funding trail preservation and maintenance alongside other U.S. Forest Service resources.
Participants can view the course map at friendsofthesandias.org/snowshoe-race/snowshoe-race-maps and register for the event at runsignup.com/Race/NM/SandiaCrest/SandiaSnowshoe.