Mike Walker and Lauren Lacourciere on Saturday, March 19 won the men’s and women’s inaugural 5K races of the Geer Park Trail Series, which was designed to promote the trail’s use, healthy lifestyles, and competition.

Twenty-three participants showed up for the race, and though it was a bit cool for the course set-up, the temperature was ideal for the runners at the 9 a.m. start. The course included rolling single track, and a bicycle led the racers around the course, with volunteers and cones placed throughout the course for directions.

Walker finished with a time of 20:25, followed by Sylas Schutt in second place, and Alexander Pekoff rounding out the podium. Top female finisher Lacourciere, of Mancos, finished with a time of 27:35, followed by Gina Denten in second, and Nichole Bluemle in third.

The Geer Park Trail Series was organized by Megan Flesch and Michael Grajeda.

Major sponsors for the series are Johnson Physical Therapy, Kokopelli Bike and Board, Tuffy Security Products, Osprey Packs, Zia’s Taqueria, Durango Running Co., and the city of Cortez. Prizes were awarded to the top male and female participants as well as a raffle drawing for all participants.

Upcoming races include a 5-mile event on Sunday, May 8 and a 10k race on Saturday, June 4. Both races will begin promptly at 9 a.m. at the north trailhead of Geer Park, located at 25502 Road L in Cortez. Volunteers are asked to show up at 7:30 a.m., and race day registration will begin at 8 a.m.

A 1k race for kids has been proposed for Sunday, May 8. It would take place about 10:15 a.m., immediately after the 5-mile event.

To sign up or find more information, go to www.Facebook.com/GeerParkTrailSeries or email questions to Geertrailseries@gmail.com.