April 13 5K, 10K & Half Marathon Start and end at Bluff Lake

The three photos were some of the winners in the Sand Creek Greenway’s recent photo contest. “Sand Creek Park at Dawn” by Michael Ciavatta.

In the second annual Race for Open Space, runners will wind along Sand Creek, where these photos were taken, and finish the run/walk with a view of Bluff Lake. Casual runners and walkers as well as avid racers can participate in this event that benefits Sand Creek Greenway Regional Partnership and Bluff Lake Nature Center—non-profit organizations that preserve and restore natural areas and provide environmental education for urban youth.

Awards will be given to overall winners in each event as well as to age group winners. Costumes are encouraged and awards will be given for best adult, child and team costumes. The half marathon starts at 8am and the 5K and 10K start at 8:30am. To register visit: http://www.runningguru.com/EventInformation.asp?eID=RFOS2014

“Bald Eagle Close-up” by George Ho.

“Reflections” by Douglas Bowen.

The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a 14-mile public trail that connects the High Line Canal in Aurora with the South Platte River Greenway in Commerce City and passes through Stapleton.

Bluff Lake Nature Center, open from sunrise to sunset and located at 3400 Havana Way, Denver, is a 123-acre wildlife refuge with diverse habitats that are home to a wide range of plants and animals.