This is a race I wouldn't do, if it is your first half or full marathon. The price is high, the food stinks, the medals are cheap and small, the course is tough, and the parking is out of control. There are a lot of better races around the area if you are looking. The Colfax Marathon is a great one to run. They have figured out how to make the runners happy. The Denver Marathon should be a good one too.

I have run 27 marathons and this one was by far one of my favorites. I love big-city running, too, but the foothills, the altitude, and the dirt-packed roads were a pleasant change! I read all the comments before going to Boulder and there were negative comments regarding the parking. I thought they all did an amazing job in the morning parking people. Sure you had to walk a little to the start area, but it gave me a chance to enjoy the gorgeous morning and clear my head for the run. I've done other marathons where parking has been an absolute nightmare. The organization of Boulder was great. Everyone did a wonderful job making us all feel welcome. Keep up the good work. And with free beer and chili at the end, I may be back!!

It was a fantastic race on a perfect day. However, it is simply impossible to park at this race. People can spend up to an extra hour waiting to cover the last mile to park. As well, exiting the parking was cumbersome, time-consuming and poorly posted with signs. Additionally, the mile markers seemed to be somewhat confusing between the marathon and half-marathon distances.

Boulder Backroads has a beautiful, rolling course, mostly on dirt roads. While you probably won't get your very best time, it is hard to find a more pleasant place to run. Moreover, the dirt road is easy on your body.

The altitude probably won't slow you down much in the marathon. In the half marathon, expect to run several minutes slower than you would at sea level.

The race organization could not be better, or more helpful. They allowed me to defer my entry from 2005 to 2006, when I was unable to run the 2005 race, for example. None of the big races allow that. There are plenty of water stops, and pleny of Gu.

Boulder is also a manageable size, with enough people to keep it interesting, but not so many that you end up feeling like a cow in stockyard (LA Marathon, take note).

The crowd is small, but genuinely supportive (as opposed to just loud, e.g., Boston). The expo is small, but friendly.

I wish there were more races like this!

A fun race, but not worth the big-race entry fee. Getting to the parking area is still a big issue; there is a large additional parking lot about two miles from main parking, but no shuttle bus. No chip timing, so if you start anywhere except the front, add two to four minutes to your offical time. If you're going to charge big-race price, you need to provide something for it. Weather was perfect this year.

Nice marathon. Not too many spectators, because I think it would be hard to drive to most of the locations. Nice course, mostly on hard-packed dirt. Parking was completely wrong-headed. I arrived early and had to park far from the start. Those who arrived later parked closer. Other than tending to favor the half-marathoners, who started later, this was illogical and unfair.

Post-race food was puzzling. Extremely burnt chili (it stunk up the whole tent, I honestly thought it was a skunk) and assorted unhealthy snacks made an uninspiring offering. The best food was the Brown Cow yogurt at the stand outside the tent.

But the race itself was good. Somewhat hilly, it is not (for me at least) a PR course. Enjoyable overall.

I ran this in 2003 and again in 2005. I improved my time by 6 minutes, I think because I knew what to expect. I've run 11 marathons and this is one of my favorites. Yes, it's hilly, but nothing unmanageable if you fuel yourself properly. The dirt roads are easier on your limbs and joints. I experienced much less soreness after this marathon than others I've run. I actually enjoyed the out-and-back part of the race because I was able to cheer on other friends that had gotten ahead or fallen behind. Parking was a problem and the food at the end was just so-so. I will continue to run this because I simply love the course, the scenery and the volunteers. This race is quickly becoming a classic.

I've run a total of 9 marathons & this one rates in the top 1/3. It was my slowest time though probably due to the rolling sometimes steep hills. I loved running on the gravel roads- much better on the legs than pavement the whole way. The scenery was great & spectators added humor & support even though they were out in the middle of nowhere. Excellent organization. We arrived 1 hr early & still had good parking. Weather was cool at first but great for running. It was nice to be able to see the finish area as you ran the last miles. I also enjoyed running with the 1/2 marathoners at the end. They provided conversation and encouragement to take your mind off the pain. I'd recommend this race to everyone!

I have mixed feelings about this race. First, this is a HARD race in so many different ways. The roads are soft dirt (and can be choppy due to farm equipment), and the course is hilly (fortunately, I trained on these same roads all summer and early fall, since its a few miles from my house). Second, if you are not "in the pack" and you are slower, like I am, it becomes very desolate as the race draws on. I didn't see another person for long stretches at the end between aid stations. Finally, there's a lot of "doubling back" on the course - it can be discouraging to have to watch people ahead of you for miles running the other way.

On the other hand, the event is small, the people who organize it are fantastic and really do try hard, the few spectators who ARE there are great, and it truly is a beautiful place to run. Everyone is incredible supportive, and the people who worked the aid stations were top-notch, both in getting food/drink out, and in keeping our spirits up at mile 25. Finally, having the announcer call my name out as I crossed the finish just made my finisher's medal that much sweeter.

This is a great race - but it shouldn't be anyone's first marathon. Run it because you want to run it and you want to bask in the splendor of the front range.

If you want to run in the most beautiful part of the earth, surround yourself with hundreds of dedicated and friendly volunteers, sponsors and staff, and treat yourself to the pleasure of running 26.2 on all dirt roads, then this race is for you.

I've run this race at least 4 times out of the past 7 years (1/2 and full), and each time, the experience gets better and better. The race organizers are pros, and the volunteers and aid stations are more and more entertaining year after year. This year, aid station 25 was full of '70's fun, complete with dozens of volunteers dressed in costume with music. That's exactly what I needed to get through the 26.2.

At the end, there was TONS of food. The awards ceremony was a great place to gather and meet my friends and enjoy the entertainment. The winners won medals, custom posters, MONEY, beer glasses, and were given FLOWERS! It was a pleasure to watch their beaming faces.

And, the race package was more than I could ask for with a technical shirt, beer glass, and much more from the sponsors.

Many thanks to this race's organizers. I've run Boston, Chicago, Richmond, Steamboat and Las Vegas. This race organization is the best. They must be all-pro.