Here is a summary of coming public sporting events and recreational activities in the Mountain West. If you have an item of public interest, contact the Deseret News sports department at 237-2161 or mail information to Sports Recreation Editor, 30 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84110.
Running
Taken from The Utah Runner and Cyclist guide, P.O. Box 8344, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
SATURDAY, Dec. 17, the Las Vegas Lite Mini Marathon and Relay. 702-870-8269.
SATURDAY, Dec. 31, Beat the New Year 5K. The race starts 11:30 p.m. at Sugarhouse Park. 485-8520.
SATURDAY, Dec. 31, the Happy New Year Fun Run. Start 5 p.m. at Senior Citizens Bulding in American Fork, 54 E. Main. Send registration to Hoopers/Fastrack Sports, 91 E. 100 North, American Fork, UT 84003.
SUNDAY, Jan. 1, the New Year 5K in Evanston, Wyo. Start 10 a.m. 307-789-6738.
SATURDAY, Jan. 21, the Salt Lake Track Club 50 kilometer series. Start noon at Quality Inn Airport/International Center, 5575 W. Amelia Earhart Drive. This race a 5K. A four-race series. 262-7127.
SATURDAY, Jan. 21, the Wasatch Overland. A 12K tour that leaves from Brighton at 9 a.m. Return transportation not provided. Includes lunch. Get entries from Wasatch Touring, 100 S. 700 East.
Skiing
SKI PROGRAM. Salt Lake County is taking registration for the after-school ski program for junior high students in Granite and Jordan school districts. The program begins in January. Registration deadline is Dec. 17 for the first session and Jan. 21 for the second. Cost is $65 for the four classes. Add $26 for ski rentals. 468-2560.
CROSS COUNTRY: Dec. 17 is the Intergroup/Gem Wasatch Citizens series Cross-Country Race at Solitude Nordic Ski Center. Time: 9:45 kids, 10 others. Distance: Kids 1-5K, novices 5K, others 10K. Technique: Classical Registration: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Entry #2. Contact: Solitude Nordic, 272-7613 . . . Dec. 31 is the Utah Winter Games Biathlon Ski Race at White Pine Touring Center. Time: 10 a.m. Distance: 10K. Technique: Skate. Contact: Utah Winter Games (975-4515) or Gary Wallin (254-1562) . . . Jan. 1 is the Utah Winter Games Biathlon Ski Relay at White Pine Touring Center. Time: 10 a.m. Distance: 3 x 7.5K. Technique: Skate. Contact: Utah Winter Games (975-4515) or Gary Wallin (254-1562) . . . Jan. 6 is the Utah Winter Games Cross-Country Ski Race at White Pine Touring Center. Time: 11 a.m. men, 1:15 p.m. women, 3 p.m. kids. Distance: kids 1-5K, women 10K, men 15K. Technique: Classical. Contact: Utah Winter Games, 975-4515 . . . Jan. 7 is the Utah Winter Games Cross-Country Race at White Pine Touring Center. Time: 9 a.m. women, 10:30 a.m. men, 12:30 p.m. kids. Distance: Kids 1-5K, women 5K, men 10K. Technique: Skate. Contact: Utah Winter Games, 975-4515.
Baseball
UMPIRE. Salt Lake Community College of Continuing Education is offering a class winter quarter on Baseball Umpiring. It will teach the mechanics of umpiring baseball and prepares students to join local amateur umpiring associations. For information call 957-3111.
Volleyball
WALLYBALL. Alta Canyon Sports Center is starting a drop-in league for all levels of play. This is on-going event. Informal leagues on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. and Friday at 9 p.m. Free for members, $4 for non-members. Structured league on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with round-robin and double elimination tournaments every 6 weeks. 942-2582.
Other events
PRACTICAL SHOOTING. The Salt Lake Practical Shooting Association will hold monthly matches and practice sessions. Monthly matches will be held at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Hendricksen PMAA range at the East Canyon exit of I-80 in Parleys Canyon. Call 580-7836 or 942-8573.
REI CLINICS. On Dec. 20, Dan Smith will present a slide show on his recent climbing trip to Asia. His expedition starts in Russia's Tein Shan Mountains, then travels into China and follows the Karakoram highway to the Kunlun Range, where the goal is Mustag Ata, the "Father of All Ice Mountains." . . . Jan. 3, Dave Grissom and Tate Jensen, shop technicians, will offer a clinic on basic alpine ski care. Will include tips on base preparation, edge sharpening and determining when your skis should go to the shop . . . On Jan. 10, members of the Hawk Watch International will present a slide show and discussion on birds of prey and the environmental hazards that threaten them . . . On Jan. 17, Utah photographer Howie Garber will share his stories and slides from two summers hiking, sea-kayaking, fishing and viewing wildlife in Alaska . . . On Jan. 24, snow hazard experts from Utah Avalanche Forecast Center will teach a basic avalanche awareness clinic . . . On Jan. 31, Alexis Kelmer and Dave Hanscom, authors of the book, "Wasatch Tours," will present a talk and slide show on where to ski in the Wasatch . . . All clinics are free and begin at 7 p.m. All clinics are at REI, 3285 E., 3300 South, 486-2100.
DISABLE PROGRAMS. Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer recreation and leisure experiences to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Adapted Sports is designed to meet the physical and social needs of each participant. The objectives are to teach fundamentals of sports with emphasis on fun, cooperation, fair play and team building skills. 561-0075.