MANITOU SPRINGS, COLO. -- Things will get a little spooky in Manitou Springs this weekend with the return of the annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races.

Crawford moved to Manitou Springs in the 19th century to be treated for tuberculosis but died shortly after.

After her death she was buried on top of Red Mountain but erosion caused her coffin to slide back down the mountain and onto what is now Manitou Avenue.

Each year her story is remembered with coffin races that tear through the middle of town.

The tradition has become a favorite and draws participants from all over.

Each year several of the local fire departments also join in to battle for first place and yearlong bragging rights.

"It's huge. It's bigger than anything else you see in the sporting world," Shane Coyne, a firefighter with Crystal Park Fire Department, said.

A rivalry has formed between Crystal Park Fire Department and Manitou Springs Fire Department who normally work side by side.

"Manitou is great. We go back to being friends, but Saturday is a different day," Coyne said. "There may be 365 days of unison and fire calls and serving the public but Saturday, at least for 25, 24, 26 seconds, there's gotta be that separation. I'm here to provide that separation," Coyne said.

In the days before the race some friendly taunting has begun. Coyne has sent videos to Manitou Springs letting them know they better be prepared.

"I'd say keep spending more time on youtube because we're just going to keep practicing and persistence pays off," Benjamin Englehardt, Volunteer firefighter with Manitou Springs, said.

Both teams have been perfecting their form and their coffins in preparation for the big day.

"We've done some practice runs as a team which we're real excited about," Jeff Mueller, Volunteer Firefighter with Manitou Springs, said.

"I have the coffin in my garage so I sleep with it every night to make sure I am one with the coffin," Coyne said. "Do lots of calisthenics, pilates, yoga, P90X, all sorts of stuff."

Despite all the trash talking it's all about having fun.

"We're racing for breast cancer and breast cancer awareness so come winners or losers we're going to have fun and support the community, " Englehardt said.

"I'm excited about a really fun race," Jennifer Honken, Volunteer Firefighter with Manitou Springs, said. "Watch out for hot pink. Here it comes!"

The coffin races begin at 12:00 p.m. Saturday in Downtown Manitou Springs.