Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic

Santa Fe Snowshoe Classic is held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 6, 2027, and is organized by the Santa Fe Striders. There is one event, a 6K (about 3.7 miles) starting at 9:00 a.m., and as the name says, it is run on snowshoes rather than in ordinary running shoes.

Snowshoe racing is its own discipline, and the first thing to know is that your pace will bear no resemblance to a road 6K. Expect a much slower time and a much higher heart rate for it: the wider stance works hip abductors and adductors that road running barely touches, so your legs will feel it in unfamiliar places. If you have never raced on snowshoes, two or three outings on them beforehand are worth more than any amount of extra running. Santa Fe also sits high, so allow time to adjust to the altitude.