Grindstone Trail runs showcase Ruidoso outdoors.

Approximately two years ago, Ruidoso was gifted with a new trail, one which organizers hoped would bring even more tourists and adventurers to this resort town with trail runs. The Grindstone Lake trail, a 17-mile loop to be used by bikes, hikers or even those on horseback, winds its way around the namesake lake on the southern end of town. It’s open to enthusiasts of all kinds year-round, and on July 30, it will host the third annual Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs, with all proceeds benefiting Ski Apache Adaptive Sports.

Sanctioned by the American Trail Running Association and USA Track and Field, the runs – four mile, 8 ½ mile and half marathon – start at 7:30 a.m. starting and ending in Wingfield Park near Midtown Ruidoso. The

half-marathon was added to take runners up on Grindstone Mesa.

The race isn’t free, of course. Entry fees are $25 for the four mile run, $35 for the 8.5 mile and $50 for the half

marathon. Prices are $40, $50 and $70 on race day.

Beyond raising money for Ski Apache Adaptive, organizer Frederic Moras said the race is part of a long-term goal of more outdoor events for competitors from well beyond Lincoln County and New Mexico.

“We are at the beginning of a long adventure for the village of Ruidoso, Ski Apache and Lincoln County,” Moras said. “We are heading in the right direction with events such as the Grindstone Trail runs, 12 Hours in the Wild West mountain bike race and the recent Ruidoso Marathon.”

While there’s still a long ways to go to create the type of trail system organizers envision, Moras said they’re close enough to think big. “With the completion of the trails at Grindstone Lake, Cedar Creek, Fort Stanton and potentially additional trails developed at Ski Apache, we might be able to compete with Taos, Santa Fe and some southern Colorado towns.” Moras said.

—Todd Fuqua