Rio Frio 5k on Ice
About this race
One of America’s most unique 5k races kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30th, 2027. This spectacular 5k race is conducted entirely on the frozen Rio Grande when conditions allow. Have you ever run on a frozen river? Don't fret; a thin layer of snow offers traction while you take in the majestic views of the San Juan’s to the West and Sangre de Cristo’s to the East from the heart of the San Luis Valley! Runner's World Magazine named this race one of three "editor's picks" for running enthusiasts for 2015. Chip timing and unique “ice-themed” awards enhance this special race for runners of all abilities.
Backup Racecourse: In the 12-year history of this race, we have had to use an alternate racecourse five times due to unsafe ice depth on the Rio Grande. We have an alternate racecourse as a backup that still provides for a fun and unique "5k on Ice" experience. We utilize the 30-acre pond at Blanca Vista Park and a portion of levee trail system for the 5k. So regardless, you will take in great views and run on ice/snow!
Footwear: Participants wear a variety of footwear to run fast and to stay safe. We recommend running shoes with microspikes or a DIY version of microspikes. Here is a video showing you how to improve traction for snow and ice on your own running shoes if no traction device, hiking boots or other shoes that provide a little extra tread are recommended!
Race Packet Pickup: This is a chip-timed race. Race bibs, chips, and swag bags are available for pickup from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Knee Knockers Bar & Grill on Friday, Jan. 29th, 2027, and from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center the day of the race.
Knee Knockers Bar & Grill
500 Cottonwood Dr
Alamosa, CO 81101
Race Shirt Information
Please note: Race registration does not include a shirt. Shirts may be purchased separately for $15 during registration.
Preorder deadline: December 31, 2026.
After this date, shirts will only be available for purchase at the event (while supplies last).
Pick your distance
Running
Rio Frio 5k Fun Run
Typical race-day weather
Based on 7 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Alamosa, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 7:08 AM and sets at 5:25 PM local time (MST) in Alamosa on January 30, 2027 — 10h 17m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Results — Rio Frio 5k on Ice
Other races near Alamosa
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Splashland Triathlon
Alamosa Veterans Memorial Park Race
Eric Wolff Invitational
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Alamosa
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Alamosa 5K Races 3 races
- Alamosa Running Calendar 2026 3 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 5 Alamosa events
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