In the heart of Colorado, Mandy Mullen has harnessed her passion for running to build the run.Windsor Race Series, a vibrant community initiative that promotes physical fitness while fostering local engagement. With the support of runners, volunteers, and sponsors, this series has evolved into a dynamic platform that serves people of all abilities, uniting them through shared experiences and a love for the sport.
The journey began in 2017 with a women’s running group founded by two stay-at-home moms. As a certified running coach, Mandy aimed to provide women with the support and knowledge to start or continue their running journeys. This led to the acquisition of a local 5K around Windsor Lake. This experience ignited Mandy’s love for race directing, leading her to envision something larger. Despite challenges like organizing Windsor’s first half marathon in 2020 and a studio closure post-pandemic, Mandy stayed committed to her vision.
The 2020 Windsor Half Marathon was a pivotal point in recognizing the benefits of organized running events. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, she and her team poured incredible creativity and effort into designing a race that adhered to safety standards. This included implementing social distancing, staggering the 300 participants into waves of 25, requiring masks, and hosting a limited after-party. That year, runners from ten states traveled to Windsor, drawn by the rarity of in-person events. Today, Mandy’s races continue to attract participants from across Colorado, the U.S., and even the UK. In October 2024, the Windsor Marathon welcomed runners and their families from 15 different states, highlighting the series's growing appeal.
Today, run.Windsor hosts nine local events in Windsor, Severance, and Greeley. From a 1-mile Kids Run to 5k’s and a 24-hour backyard ultra race, they cater to a wide range of participants. Mandy recalls a moment at Weld Your Mettle when local Brandon Holt reached the 100-mile mark. “This is what it’s been about all along—helping people reach new potential,” she reflected, capturing the essence of their mission.
New experiences were shared a month later at Red, White and Brew in Raindance. This event featured a 12-hour "last man standing" race, where participants completed a 4.2-mile loop every hour on the hour. Starting with 22 athletes, the competition intensified throughout the day, with some dropping out or missing the hourly cutoff. By 6 PM, the atmosphere was electric as five runners, who formed strong bonds throughout the day, crossed the finish line for the last time. The event was amplified with cold plunges, saunas, and kids' bouncy houses.
As the series expanded, Mandy’s personal running journey also evolved. Once a hopeful participant for the Boston Marathon, she shifted her focus to ultramarathons. Now, you’re more likely to find her at the finish line of the Leadville 100 than a road race. Inspired by her experiences, she and Shawn Wherry created run.Colorado Relays as they took over Colorado’s only two cross-state overnight relay races.
The Wild West Relay, a 200-mile journey from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs, and the Flaming Foliage, 165 miles from Idaho Springs to Buena Vista, showcase more than just running—they celebrate teamwork, camaraderie, and unforgettable adventures. Participants take turns running various sections of the course, working together to reach the finish line.
While they embrace the ultra running world, the team remains committed to creating a welcoming environment for beginner runners. They understand the profound impact running can have on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The atmosphere at their events emphasizes celebration rather than competition, showcasing the spirit and resilience of the Northern Colorado community.
Team member Suz Kandler shared how transformative her experience was at the Flaming Foliage Relay, where her husband and niece volunteered. Nowadays, you’ll often see Suz’s family volunteering at races. “Many people have reached out to thank me for inspiring them as a fellow beginner. I’m a part of this team to show that running doesn’t have to be intimidating—we all start somewhere.”
At the heart of the run.Windsor Race Series is the commitment to making each event a community celebration by integrating local businesses and nonprofits. This collaboration enhances the race day experience and encourages runners and spectators to support local businesses.
You’ll find the entire run.Windsor team including course director Shawn, Suz, Mandy’s husband Nick, who serves as the timer, their two young boys, family, and friends at the finish of every race. To this day, they maintain an unspoken rule that the finish line arch remains up until the very last runner crosses. As their slogan emphasizes, "We are Stronger Together."
"All along it's been about helping people reach new potential." - Mandy Mullen
"We are stronger together." - run.Windsor Team