COVID-19 kills off coffin races in Manitou Springs this year

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- It's another casualty due to COVID-19, but fans of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races were probably already prepared for its demise this year.

The traditional event in Manitou Springs was scheduled for October 24 but the races won't be happening this year due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

Instead, the Manitou Springs Chamber of commerce and Visitors Bureau are holding three events to match the theme of the coffin races and Halloween. There will be a t-shirt design contest, a best costume contest, and a scavenger hunt throughout Manitou. You can find information at www.manitousprings.org.

But if you were looking forward to seeing teams of racers push makeshift coffins down Manitou Ave. to celebrate spooky season, you'll have to wait another year at least.

The coffin races began in the '90s as a throwback to a historic story in Manitou Springs. Emma Crawford died due to tuberculosis in 1891 and was buried on top of Red Mountain. Decades later and after harsh storms, Crawford's coffin slid down the mountainside and near town.