Scar Top 12K/Spruce Canyon 5K

Welcome to Coal Creek Canyon, a small mountain community located midway between Golden and Boulder. One of the highlights of our year is the annual Fourth of July Celebration. We would like to invite area runners to come out and experience the beauty of the canyon with a 5K or 12K run.

The Scar Top Mountain Run is a challenging 12K (7.4 mile) run primarily on the dirt roads of Coal Creek Canyon, located just 25 minutes from Golden or Boulder. The race features 1,000 feet of climbing and an equal amount of descent as it traverses the flanks of Scar Top Mountain.

The Spruce Canyon 5K is a kinder, gentler version. At just 3.1 miles in length, the Spruce Canyon 5K offers 300 feet of elevation change throughout the run.

Both chip timed races begin & end at the same location. All runners receive a $1.00 discount to the Pancake Breakfast.

Afterwards, we hope you'll stick around for some good, hometown, Fourth of July fun at CanyonFest - a family fun event that features a parade, booths, pancake breakfast, music, games for the kids, and a Live Music Festival from 11:00am - 3:00pm.

Awards in both the 5K and 12K will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd places Overall Male & Female Finishers.

Top-3 Male & Female Finishers in the 5K for Age Groups: 7 & Under, 8-9, 10-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-29

Top-2 Male & Female Finishers in the 5K for Age Groups: 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over

Top-3 Male & Female Finishers in the 12K for Age Groups: 15-19 and 20-29

Top-2 Male & Female Finishers in the 12K for Age Groups: 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over

7:00 a.m. - Race Registration Opens
7:00 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast Opens
8:00 a.m. - 12K Run Starts
8:05 a.m. - 5K Run Starts
9:30 a.m. - 5K Awards
9:45 a.m. - 12K Awards
10:00 a.m. - Parade
10:30 a.m. - Pancake Breakfast Closes

Scar Top Mountain Run: This 12K run is a challenging route, run over predominantly dirt roads in Coal Creek Canyon. There is a short half-mile stretch of pavement in the first and last mile of the race.

The course contains nearly 1,000 feet of climbing and an equal amount of descent spread over 7.4 miles. the course offers spectacular views as it rolls through our mountain neighborhood.

Four aid stations will be located along the route, with enthusiastic volunteers to cheer you on.

Spruce Canyon 5K: This run is kinder, gentler version of the 12K course, and is run over a mix of paved and dirt roadways. The first and last half-mile are flat, however the middle miles are rolling and hilly.

This event is organized by members of the community, and 100 percent of the profits from the event go directly back into the community via scholarships, community activities, a meeting hall for local happenings, and donations to local organizations.

From Golden: Take Highway 93 North approximately 8 miles to the intersection with Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon). Turn left (west) onto Highway 72 and drive 8.5 miles to the Coal Creek Community Center. Volunteers will assist you with parking.

From Boulder: Take Highway 93 South approximately 6 miles to the intersection with Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon). Turn right (west) onto Highway 72 and drive 8.5 miles to the Coal Creek Community Center. Volunteers will assist you with parking.

From Denver: Take I-70 West to exit 265, this will put you onto Hwy 58. Stay on Hwy 58 for approximately 6 miles to the stoplight. Turn right at the stoplight onto Hwy 93. Take Highway 93 North approximately 8 miles to the intersection with Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon). Turn left (west) onto Highway 72 and drive 8.5 miles to the Coal Creek Community Center. Volunteers will assist you with parking.

For complete race information, please visit www.runcoalcreek.com.

For more information, call John Giffin at
303-642-7555, or email
scartopmountainrun@gmail.com.