A good time was had by all during our inaugural “Tails on Trails” race event this past weekend, which featured a choice of two routes and post-run party for runners and walkers of the two- and four-legged variety.

Proceeds went to McPaws Regional Animal Shelter but the goodwill was shared by everyone involved.

In true mountain fashion, there was a definite chill in the air for those with no built-in fur coat.

But as these folks soon found out – it doesn’t take long to warm up when you’re running uphill.

The longer 10 mile route took runners from the base lodge at 6000’ up 3.5 miles to the 7640′ summit on a mix of old dirt roads and some pretty technical single track trail. From there, they cruised down Elk Trail for 6.5 miles back to the finish.

The 10K route also started at the base lodge and headed up South Lodge Lane to an intersection about 2/3 of the way up the mountain.

From there, runners dropped down single track Growler Trail before joining the lower portion of Elk Trail to the finish line at the base.

The 10 mile race winners were 31-year-old Dustin Murray & Lolo the labradoodle in the men’s division with a time of 56 minutes, 5 seconds.  33-year-old Lisa Hall and her running partner, Otter, took the women’s title in 1 hour, 42 minutes.

Coming in first place in the 10k were 32-year-old Sean Gould (with Lochsa and Shadow) in just over 56 minutes. 24-year-old Courtney Softich chased down first place in 1:14:36.

When the competition was over, many of the furrier competitors quenched their thirst in the best ways they knew how:

Or found a nice perch to warm themselves in the sun.

The less-furry participants enjoyed a more traditional barbecue and beer garden on the plaza.

Proceeds from entry fees and dog toy sales benefit McPaws Animal Shelter.

But judging by these smiling faces, everyone who participated benefited from sharing good times on the trails.

We’ll see those smiling faces next year!