A decades-old footrace in the mountain community of Beulah is moving forward after a local wildfire briefly cast doubt on the event, and organizers have folded fire relief into this year's fundraising mission.
When the Aspen Acres fire broke out, sign-ups for the Beulah Challenge were put on hold amid uncertainty over whether the event could take place at all, organizers explained. While the half-marathon distance was ultimately dropped for safety reasons, the shorter 5K and 10K courses are confirmed to go ahead.
The Beulah Challenge dates to 1996 and has long served as a fundraiser for the Beulah Educational Support Team — the BEST program — housed at the Beulah School for Natural Sciences. Funds raised through the event are channeled into programs built around hands-on science and outdoor education for local students.
For this edition of the race, organizers have committed to directing part of the event's revenue toward rebuilding and restoration work across the Beulah area. That dual focus gives participants both a way to support local schools and a tangible connection to their community's recovery from the wildfire.
Runners can mark their calendars for September 19, when the 10K gets underway at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K. Those wishing to participate can complete registration through the race's official website.
How the proceeds will be divided between the educational program and fire recovery efforts has not yet been specified by organizers.