In 2008 I ran the Colorado Marathon as my first full marathon, I love this course! When I had a chance to win a free entry into this sold out race I jumped at it, even though it meant I only had a week and a half notice. Keeping this in mind, I played it smart and ran this as a half (I could pick any distance I wanted).
Race Information
The Colorado Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, 10K, and Kids Run will take place on May 1, 2011.
Race Details
The Colorado Marathon, a Boston qualifier, is the fastest and most scenic marathon in Colorado. Please visit each race link above for specific race details and fees associated with each event.
Registration
Races cap, register early. Last year the Marathon and Half Marathon capped on February 8th. 10K and 5K could potentially cap in 2011. This is the 10th anniversary and demand is expected to be greater than previous years. There will be no expo or race day registration.
Expo: Over the years the expo has improved and this year it made yet another step in the right direction. It was obvious they were working on the ‘green race’ idea the second you stepped into the expo. You started off at a table with empty bags and miscellaneous goodies on it. Once you grabbed a bag you could help yourself to some of the goodies and you moved onto the next table, bib pick up. The third table was the shirts. This year, instead of marathon and half marathon they had male and female shirts (I liked it better the other way). There might have been a dozen or so venders in the room (nicely spaced out). Luckily it was fairly quiet.
Start Line: The marathon, half marathon and 5K all had to be bused to the start lines. Speaking only of the half marathon start… the start waiting area was an open field with plenty of port-a-potties, a tent was set up to serve coffee. The actually start line was down the road a smidge and was nice and simple.
Course: This race truly does Colorado justice! The first 5(ish) miles of the half marathon is heads down a canyon the scenery is just amazing! For about 4 miles this course hits the highway/urban streets. The race finishes off on typical paved trails. The scenery is still beautiful and the last .2 miles was torn up street (usually it is black top, but they were doing road construction this year).
Course Support: Can you ever really say enough about the volunteers? It was chilly out there at the start of the race but they still bundled up and handed out water and kept on cheering for everyone!
Finish Line: The road construction made the last little stretch a pain (making sure you don’t step on a rock wrong or in a whole) but the crowed was a very welcome sound and again, it was nice and simple (they really should put trash cans in the finish area incase people need to get sick). It was the perfect finish to the perfect race!
Overall: When I finally do get my BQ I hope it is at this race! The course, the people, the everything about this race makes it a must do!
