Running with Rudolph 5K, 10K on Saturday morning

The second run in the fifth annual Be Bold, Run in the Cold Winter Trail Series will be 9 a.m. Saturday, beginning from Western Nevada College.

“It’s grown every year,” said Kevin Bigley, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy, which sponsors the runs. “It is intended to help keep people active and motivated to exercise through the winter and to highlight some of the expending trail networks surrounding Carson City.”

The Running with Rudolph 5K and 10K will be mostly single track with some sections of fire road in Ash Canyon. It will feature gradual ascents and descents. Online registration closes today.

Bigley said he recently surveyed the trail.

“Well, this is a winter trail series which means we are bound to have some snow and rugged conditions,” he said. “This is one of those times and this is why we put on the series. There are some sections of trail that are pretty packed down and some that are not.”

While the weather is expected to be in the 40s for Saturday’s race, he urged racers to take some precautions for the snow and ice.

“If you have traction devices for your shoes you may want to use them,” he said. “If you are concerned about your ability to sustain sure footing you may also use hiking or ski poles.” The weather is looking good for this coming Saturday with temps in the mid 40s.

The first run in the series, the Cold Turkey Run on Nov. 23, drew more than 100 runners and walkers. The series consists of five winter trail runs, ranging in distance from 5K to 10K on dirt trails.

Bigley said some runners use the series as a way to

The cost for the first race is $45, and entry for every run after that is $20. All participants will receive one Winter Trail Series long sleeve Patagonia shirt.

Each race will have a short and long course, and there are no aid stations along the way.

“This series is a great trainer for the Escape From Prison Hill Half Marathon and 10K to be held on April 19, 2014,” Bigley said.

To register, go to www.ascentruns.com/The-Winter-Series.html.​​​​​​​​