October 26, 2024
Emma Crawford
Coffin Races
and Festival
- Sponsor This Event
- Event Parking
- History
- T-Shirt Design Contest
- Join the Races
- Merch
In memory of emma crawford
The tradition continues
In 1995, the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce started the first coffin races in the nation, in memory of a beloved member of Manitou Springs. In the years since, the races have grown into an often-copied-but-never-equaled Manitou Springs tradition.
- Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
- In the 900 block of Manitou Ave
- Free
- Limited ADA
30th Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races T Shirt Design – Submissions are now OPEN. Click the link below to submit your original design now!
please submit design by 7/26/2024
Voting Begins 8/1/2024
Know your history
Emma Crawford came to Manitou Springs in 1889 searching for a cure for her tuberculosis in the area’s famed cold-water mineral springs. She fell in love with the charming mountain town and her dying wish was to be buried on top of Red Mountain. Unfortunately, Emma succumbed to her illness in 1891. Her lover, a civil engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway named William Hildebrand, honored her wishes. With the help of eleven other townspeople, William carried Emma’s coffin up the 7,200 foot slope and buried her near the summit of Red Mountain.
In 1929, after years of harsh winters and spring rains, Emma and her coffin came racing down the mountainside. The young children who happened upon her remains found only the casket handles, a nameplate, and a few bones.
New Family tradition!
This event was AMAZING!!!! I’ve discovered our new annual family tradition!!! — Angel H.
Best Halloween Activity!
If you have not been to the Coffin Races you should go and check it out. It is a hoot. One of the best Halloween activities of the year! —Keith J.
Plan ahead, be prepared!
…Folks it’s awesome! It’s an adorable tiny town with a Mardi Gras-esque event that is worth it all! Plan ahead and be prepared! We stayed just up the road in Cascade, took a Lyft down for a whole $7.00 and had a blast! — Daisy M.
Yay for free shuttles!
This was our first year going. It was so cool! I am so glad we read up on the event prior to going! Took advantage of the shuttle system and had no issues arriving or leaving. The online pamphlet was helpful to know where events were taking place and they also provided one coming off the shuttle. Great job, great event! — Donna D.B.
the fun is deadly
Sponsor this event
Sponsoring coffin races is a great way to get your business name out to the thousands of spectators that flock to town on race day. Fill out the sponsor request form and someone will be back with you soon!