R Buck’s Coffin Race Victory in Manitou Springs
This past weekend, the team from R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical travelled to the historic mountain town of Manitou Springs to take part in the 2025 edition of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival. This wildly fun, quirky autumn event celebrates local history, community spirit, and creative racing all rolled into one — and our team emerged victorious.
The Event: A Tradition Like No Other
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races began back in 1995, when the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce created a “coffin race” in memory of a beloved local resident, Emma Crawford.
Each year on Manitou Avenue (in the 900 block), costumed teams of four “mourners” push, pull, or race a coffin-shaped contraption, often with one “Emma” riding inside, heading toward a finish line amid an atmosphere of Halloween-inspired fun.
The event kicks off with a parade at noon, followed immediately by the coffin races, and finishes with an after-party and awards ceremony.
Our Moment in the Course
We couldn’t be prouder to share that our R Buck team finished first out of 52 participants, clocking a record-breaking time of 25.6 seconds.
Our team’s dedication to design, coordination, and speed paid off — and we celebrated every second of the run, from the starting horn to the finish line.
Why This Matters
Participating in an event like the Emma Crawford Coffin Races accomplishes more than just a fun outing — it reinforces company culture, strengthens team bonds, and demonstrates how creativity + collaboration + performance = success.
It also connects us with community spirit in Manitou Springs, celebrates a uniquely regional tradition, and gives us a great story to bring back to the office.
Thank You
Huge thanks to everyone at R Buck who supported the team: from logistics to cheering on the sidelines, and especially to our four “mourners” and our Emma rider, who gave everything on race day.
Also, thank you to the organizers in Manitou Springs for maintaining an event that blends history, fun, and community in such an unforgettable way.