Warm temps spark record registration for 48th annual New Year’s Day Rescue Run

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Experiencing one of the warmest Winters on record might not do well by the ski slopes, but it turned boon for El Paso County Search and Rescue's (EPCSAR) largest fundraiser, the "Rescue Run."

Touting the slogan "Rain, snow, or 20 below," EPCSAR said organizers have never canceled the race in its 48 years of New Year's Day weather. With highs reaching the 60s in Colorado Springs, the rescue run race director said this is the nicest race day she can remember.

"It's not rain, snow, or 20 below! Where's the pink flamingos, man? It's a beautiful year. I don't ever remember a year this nice," said Rescue Run race director Teresa Taylor.

With conditions relatively warm, dry, and the sun in the sky, Taylor said they hit an all-time high with 1200 runners.

EPSCAR is a volunteer-based organization. It said no one gets paid, and volunteers have to buy their own equipment. The organization never charges and has someone on standby 24/7 for wilderness distress calls in Southeastern Colorado. A large part of their jurisdiction is performing mountain rescues on Pikes Peak.

While the race started at 10 a.m. from the Norris Penrose Center, people can donate to EPSCAR year-round.

The group hosts the race on New Year's to minimize the chances they are needed on a call. Their busiest months are in the summer, particularly with rescues on the Manitou Incline.