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Apr 28, 2024

Steamboat Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.5

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 60 [displaying comments 51 to 60]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

Stuart Siegler from Gilmanton, NH (6/7/2004) "Very hard, with some nice touches" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Steamboat Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The course elevation graphic does not reflect the actual course. While it looks majorly downhill, in reality the drops are steeper, and the rises are longer then I expected. Very pretty, and good support, but the altitude is quite hard on the lungs. 2004 saw temps into the 80's and that added tothe difficulty. Nice touch #1: On crossing the finish line, they gave us a cold (icy) wet towel, and Nice touch #2: As you got your medal, handed you a finisher's card, with your time, place, rank, etc., on it. Beware of the speed trap after ascending Rabbit Ears Pass, where the downhill speed goes from 65 to 50.
S. F. from Denver, Colorado (6/7/2004) "Great location, tough race." (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Steamboat Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Just ran this race yesterday and for me it was by far the toughest marathon that I have run. Early temperatures were pleasant but it was quite hot by the last third of the run. I found the downhills at the beginning to be less of a challenge than I was expecting and the uphill at mile 20-23 was much tougher. For recreational runners, can't think of a worse place to have a long uphill than right when you are 'hitting the wall'. The elevation also affected me more than I thought it would. The volunteers at the aid stations were enthusiastic but the stations were too spread out, particularly in the last half of the run. There seemed to be plenty of water and Gatorade, but apparently no ice, despite all the water I did drink, I never once was given a drink that was really cold. The ice towels at the end of the run were a nice touch, just wish some of that ice could have been distributed over the course. Race organization was good, transportation to the start was easy, plenty of porta-potties, and well-run finishing area. Overall, I would recommend a visit to Steamboat in June; the area is absolutely beautiful - I'll go back for a visit, but I won't run this race again.
B. R. from Carmel, Indiana (6/4/2003) "Great race, tough course, will be back next year." (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just completed this race - my first marathon - 3 days ago. Coming from the Midwest, the altitude and the hills were tough to adjust to. Fortunately, I listened to others' postings from previous years and didn't get too carried away on the early downhills, so I had a little left (very little) for the hills at 20-23. The weather didn't cooperate fully this year either, with about the first 8 miles in 40-degree weather and driving rain. Overall, even with a tough course and rain, this was an excellent experience that I will do again. The course scenery was beautiful. The race was well organized and the spectators were really awesome. Of course, with only 500 in the marathon, there were less spectators than at a big race, but there were many throughout the course all cheering you on the whole way, and the last 3/4 of a mile was lined with people all lending encouragement.
M. E. from Boulder, CO (6/3/2003) "Downhill takes away your kick" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This course is very perplexing. It sounds so easy with the huge downhill, however you will find that when you are on your second half, unless you are a running god, you will find it hard to have a good kick after the uphill on miles 20-23. I ran this race two days ago, and I need a new set of quads! I was setting a PR for the first 13 miles, and then pfffffft, forget about it! However, after starting this race in 40 degree rain, and running with trashbags on my body, I finished, and will sign up again. Great organization, and if you don't like to feel crowded, this is your race.
G. B. from Colorado Springs, CO (2/7/2003) "Great if you like downhill!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon and I found it very enjoyable (as enjoyable as you can find a marathon).The long downhill for the first half helped me make good time, but was punishing on my legs by the time I hit 20. Would have liked more fan support, in that they gave me that charge for the last mile when they finally appeared. Overall, great race, and I thought well organized.
A Runner from Loveland, Colorado (9/24/2002) "Awesome but Tough Course!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Unfortunately, this was my first marathon. I only say unfortunately, because this course is way too high and way too hilly for a first! I had a very similar experience to the post from 'A runner from Atlanta, GA (6/8/02)'. The downhills in the first half wiped me out and consequently, the second half was VERY UGLY! Crowd support is virtually non-existent, but the course is gorgeous! Because Steamboat is such an awesome destination and a great place to visit, I would still recommend this marathon, just not for a first!
A Runner from Atlanta, GA (6/8/2002) "It's a challenge!!!!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Being from the East coast, I thought my main obstacle would be breathing at 8,000+ ft....wrong...the downhill sections at the beginning took a lot out of my legs for the end. The course is beautiful...carved out of the Colorado countryside border by farms...the spectators are horses and cows and the occasional human. I began the race at a comfortable 8:45 pace hoping to break 4 hours....wrong again. The 1st half came in at 1:57 the 2nd half...that is another story. Overall, this is a great race...coming from the East coast does add a dimension of difficulty probably not experienced by a local. Run this race...but I don't think you will get a PR.
A Runner from Denver, CO (6/4/2002) "Absolutley fantastic!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This course deserves it's reputation for beauty - I rank it as a very close second to Big Sur. And it is also almost as tough as Big Sur because of the terrain. The overall elevation gain is negative, but there are hills. Found the downhill to be more taxing than the uphill especially later in the race. Great organization, plenty of water stations (wonderful volunteers) and porta potties along the route. Only a few pockets of spectators until you reach the finish, but who needs the streets lined with a crowd with the river, trees, and wildflowers to cheer you on. The finish line is in downtown Steamboat and they have created a festive atmosphere. The marathon is limited to 500 runners so sign up in advance as it fills.
A Runner from Castle Rock, CO (8/16/2001) "Beautiful Course!" (about: 2001) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The organization was superb and the setting couldn't be better. The course is predominately downhill, but there is a good uphill on mile 3 and 20-23. If you are a flatlander, beware, the course starts at approx 8500 ft. The few spectators are concentrated at the finish line. The post-race massage is a plus.
A Runner from Houston, Texas (6/7/2000) "Scenic and peaceful" (about: 2000) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The countryside of northern Colorado is stunning and if you're after peace, quiet, and scenery, this is the marathon for you. Unfortunately, the narrow country road isn't totally closed to traffic so it takes a little away from the peace and quiet part, but the scenery makes up for it. Unlike last year were it snowed before the start, this year the temperature ranged from mid 50's at the start to 85 at the finish...be prepared to run in any condition. The marathon was very well organized and the packet pick up was easy to find and quick to get through. Buses picked us up in the morning and dropped us off at the starting point. There were plenty of porta-johns at the start and half-marathon site but few in between. My only complaint would be the lack of water stations although they all had Gatorade and most had Power Gels available. For the first 16 miles they were spaced 3-3.5 miles apart, which may not be so bad if you're used to the altitude, dry mountain air, and if the weather would have been cooler. Unfortunately, being a 'flat-lander' I was parched by mile 6 and made sure to drink as much as possible. I would suggest carrying your own water if you plan to run this marathon. The course is challenging with the majority of the large hills within the first 6 miles, the rest gently rolling. Post-race was small with plenty of water, Gatorade and munchies readily available. You were also handed a card with your finishing time and overall place just minutes after finishing. If you're a 'flat-lander' and you decide to do a marathon in Colorado the altitude is something you should take into consideration. I ran the marathon within 24 hours of arrival and had no ill effects. I never felt out of breath while running but could tell I wasn't in my 'element'...in this case, hot & humid & smoggy air. Over all this was a good experience and I'm planning on running more marathons in this area in the near future.

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