Fruita, Colorado turned into a sea of red shirts and wagging tails Saturday morning as the 18th annual Sweetheart Run officially became the biggest in its history. More than 500 runners laced up for the sold-out 5K and 10K, proving this little Valentine’s tradition has grown into one of western Colorado’s favorite community gatherings.
The race completely filled to capacity weeks in advance, a first for the event.
Biggest Sweetheart Run Ever
“This is hands-down our largest turnout yet,” said Shauna Harris, guest services and fitness coordinator at the Fruita Community Center. “We hit 500 participants between both distances. That’s never happened before.”
Runners started and finished at the Fruita Community Center, winding through the city’s beautiful trail system along the Colorado River. Many dressed in Valentine’s themes: heart sunglasses, red tutus, couples holding hands across the finish line.
The mild February weather helped too. Temperatures climbed into the low 50s with bright sunshine, perfect conditions for a February race in Colorado.
Puppy Kisses Steal Hearts
The real stars of the day? The adoptable dogs.
Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab joined forces with Happy Little Rescue to bring a pack of lovable pups to the finish line area. Runners received “puppy kisses” as they crossed the line, and several dogs found their forever homes that same morning.
One runner told me she signed up for the 5K specifically because of the rescue dogs. Minutes after finishing, she was filling out adoption paperwork for a shy little terrier mix who had been cheering her on.
That’s the magic of this event: it mixes fitness, love, and second chances all in one morning.
Every Dollar Stays Local
Unlike many races that send proceeds out of state, every registration fee from the Sweetheart Run goes straight back into Fruita.
The money funds scholarships for kids and families who can’t otherwise afford classes, swim lessons, or summer camps at the community center.
“It all stays right here,” Harris explained. “We’re able to help local families stay active and give kids opportunities they might not have otherwise.”
Last year’s race raised enough to cover dozens of scholarships. Organizers expect this year’s record turnout to help even more families in 2024 and 2025.
A Race That Keeps Growing
What started as a small Valentine’s fun run 18 years ago has quietly become a western slope tradition.
Participants now travel from Grand Junction, Montrose, Delta, and even Moab to take part. Some couples make it their annual Valentine’s date. Others bring the whole family, kids in strollers cheering from the sidelines.
The growth mirrors Fruita’s own evolution: a once-sleepy town that has become a destination for outdoor lovers, now boasting one of the strongest community event calendars in the region.
Looking Ahead
Fruita’s running community won’t have to wait long for the next big race.
The famous Mike the Headless Chicken 5K returns May 31 during the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, another beloved (and wonderfully weird) local tradition.
But for now, Fruita is still buzzing from Saturday’s success.
One thing is clear: when you combine beautiful trails, adoptable dogs, and a cause everyone can get behind, people show up in record numbers.
The Sweetheart Run didn’t just break its own record this year. It reminded everyone why these small-town events matter so much. In a world that sometimes feels too big and too fast, 500 people choosing to run together, laugh together, and help their neighbors feels exactly like what love looks is supposed to be.
What’s your favorite local race that brings the community together? Drop your thoughts below, and if you ran Saturday, tag your photos with #FruitaSweetheartRun. Those puppy pictures deserve to be seen.
