(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Wednesday, Jan. 1 the El Paso County Search and Rescue (EPCSAR) held its annual run to raise money for its search, rescue, and mountain safety efforts.

2025 is the 47th year for the rescue run which started in 1979. Proceeds from the run benefit EPCSAR, a non-profit that derives all funding from donations from groups, firms, and agencies. EPCSAR is staffed by non-paid professionals who respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. EPCSAR does not charge for services.

“Today we had 1,149 people registered for the race. Every year a few people don’t show up, they wake up on a cold morning, decide not to come. But there are more than a thousand people here today running this race,” said Chris Valentine, a volunteer with EPCSAR.