The Steamboat Pentathlon crossed the final finish line ending a 27 year run as the City of Steamboat Springs will no longer sponsor the annual event due to a variety of factors. The elimination of the Steamboat Pentathlon was discussed leading up to the 2019 budget and the event ultimately was removed from the city budget approved in December.
The Steamboat Pentathlon combined five athletic disciplines (alpine skiing/snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, mountain biking and running) into one unique winter race that spanned the slopes of Howelsen Hill and the trails of Emerald Mountain. Racers could compete as an individual, dynamic duo or team in adult and youth categories over a short or long course configuration.
The event saw a steady decline in participation and sponsorship, while event costs continued to rise significantly. Compounding the issue, several new winter/spring races and events have competed for participants during the same weekend over the past few years. Staff invested a significant number of hours towards this event, which multiplied each year with the reduction in volunteers and event revenue.
“We’re sad to see this long standing event go, but we feel its run its course,” said Angela Cosby, Parks & Recreation Director. “By realigning our focus, staff can inject new energy and ideas toward more community centric events, such as the Ski Free Sundays at Howelsen Hill, to benefit a much wider audience of community members.”
Individuals with questions on the Steamboat Pentathlon or those who may be interested in managing this event in the future, should contact Marketing & Special Events Coordinator Emily Hines at 970.871.7031 or by email.
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Contact:
Emily Hines, Marketing & Special Events Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email
Angela Cosby, Parks & Recreation Director, 970.871.7017 or email