Rio Frio on Ice
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Event overview
The Rio Frio 5k on Ice takes place in Alamosa, Colorado on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The event is listed as the Rio Frio 5k Fun Run with an entry price of $27.50 (includes a $2.50 fee). The race uses chip timing and offers ice-themed awards. At the time of the listing, 315 spots remained and the price increases after January 18, 2026.
Course and conditions
The 5k is conducted on the frozen Rio Grande, with a thin layer of snow reported to provide traction. The route provides views of the San Juan Mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east across the San Luis Valley. If ice depth on the Rio Grande is unsafe, an alternate course has been used in the past; the backup uses a 30-acre pond at Blanca Vista Park and a portion of the levee trail system.
Logistics and footwear
Race bibs, timing chips, and swag bags are available for pickup Friday evening at Knee Knockers Bar & Grill and the morning of the race at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center. Organizers recommend running shoes with microspikes or a DIY traction solution; hiking boots or shoes with extra tread are also suggested. Race registration does not include a shirt; shirts may be preordered for $15 with a preorder deadline of December 31, 2025, and may be available at the event while supplies last. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.