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May 10, 2024

Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 118 [displaying comments 81 to 91]

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J. S. from Wyoming (5/8/2006) "This course even smells good!" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a gorgeous course - it even smelled good (think pine trees and camp fires). Enjoyed the run tremendously; so pretty I hit mile 10 without even realizing I'd been running! The decline was pleasant - not so steep a grade as to be hard on the legs. Volunteers were friendly and supportive; lots of aid stops. One aid stop had run out of the promised Gu20, which was more of a psychological than physical hurdle. My only constructive criticism would be to instruct the kids who run a half-mile on the same course is that they have to stay to one side of the course, not run down the middle.
Gerard Brennan from Sturgis, South Dakota (5/8/2006) "A pleasant surprise." (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised with this, the smallest of my 8 marathons. The weather was perfect and most of the course was very easy with one exception; having to constantly run on the cambered edge of the road which is bad news for those of us with ITB issues. The scenery was nothing less than inspirational and even in the urban areas toward the end, beautiful. Aid stations were right where I needed them with enthusiastic support & plenty of GU & sports drink. The event tech shirt is sharp looking and functional, not just another cotton shirt to add to the collection. The remainder of our stay in Fort Collins was also very enjoyable. I don't understand why it is such a well kept secret. Neither our motel staff nor many of the local merchants even knew there was a marathon going on. The community should be proud of this fine event.
M. H. from Castle Rock, CO (5/8/2006) "Nice Mini Marathon - Disappointing Finisher Medals" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The course was pretty nice, although at the end it was pretty hot running through the fields. The pounding from the concrete bike paths was tough also. The finish was great - lots of excitement cheering you through the finish line. Running through the canyon was amazing - although there were a few more hills than the one they advertise. One bottle of water and no energy drink was a bit disappointing at the finish. The coolers of water were not cold also. Have to love the free beer at the end - nice that everyone stuck around and had a few beers and talked about the run. Biggest disappointment was the finisher medals. The mini marathon was embarrassing and even the marathon ones were sad. Make them something special that you look forward to getting and maybe there will be repeat runners. If Premier Mortgage has to have their name somewhere, then put on the ribbon - not stamped across the medal.
M. P. from Colorado (5/8/2006) "Nice course to run - mini marathon" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was nice to run until you hit the open space, but that's part of the course. I ran the Mini and I was dying at the end. Need more water stations. There weren't that many fans, which is OK since you are running in the mountains a bit, but the ones who were there were great. The race overall was nice; hot after you hit the bike trail and hell on the body because of running the concrete. Very disappointed at the medal. I would have thought that there would have been a little more work put into it. Kind of a bummer after running it and seeing the end result. The finish line was great, with cheering fans and your name called out. Lots of bagels, fruit, cookies... and awesome beer, even though I am a Coors Light fan (Bud is on the list of favorites). But after running 15 milea, it's nice to suck down a few. May run it next year - not sure.
D. S. from Minneapolis (10/2/2005) "My First Marathon and I Loved It." (about: 2005) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it to. However, I thought the scenery was wonderful and, having trained by myself, I thought even the few spectators who showed up were great--very energetic and excited! At the time of the marathon, I lived in Colorado, so the altitude was not a problem for me--I ran at 6,000 feet daily.
B. S. from San Francisco, CA (8/9/2005) "difficult finish" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my 13th marathon, my first in Colorado. Course was all I had expected: gorgeous sunrise at the start; beautiful canyon run; peaceful; nice crowd of runners. Being a flat-lander, the altitude definitely got to me, despite the descent. Last five or so miles were definitely a slog. Course moves onto a windy, CONCRETE, bike path - desolate, in the middle of nowhere; hard on both the legs and the psyche. I would have preferred they kept it on the roads. Overall, a well-organized, fun, beautiful marathon. Recommended.
T. D. from Longmont, CO (7/28/2005) "A nice run" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The weather was VERY cooperative this year. 50-60 and overcast. The only wind was a tailwind! Good parking at the finish. No bussing or potty issues. I carried 3 small bottles in my fuel belt, and that worked just fine along with the available tables. The decline was gradual and I had no trouble staying on pace without bashing my legs. However, I did lose a toenail as did a running buddy. (A first for me.) Overall an uncomplicated and well organized race with great scenery in the first 16 miles. I would do it again.
s. M. from Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico (6/2/2005) "Hard declines" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 If you are looking for an smooth, downhill marathon, this is not it. The first half is too uphill; it will make you suffer, and there is no water - just three aid stations in the first 13.1 miles. Nice course along the river, cool weather, no spectators. Be careful and reserve for the second half.
M. M. from Westminster, CO (5/16/2005) "Beautiful canyon run" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The buses leave early, but they are nice coach buses - not yellow high school buses. Plenty of porta pots at the start made it easy to get in one last bathroom break. The first 15 miles or so through the canyon was absolutely beautiful. Most of this portion seemed gradual, but consistently downhill. More water stations would be nice though. The second half of the course was nice, but running up on many of the half marathoners was a big pain. The runners themselves were very nice and many of them cheered as I passed, but the walking trail over the last 6 miles was far too crowded. Too much energy went into avoiding runners and weaving through the crowd. I didn't see it, but my wife told me a train crossed the road less than a couple hundred yards from the finish causing runners to wait around 8:50am. Thankfully for those runners, it was a short train. The medals were great. A nice pewter carved piece from a local artist, I believe. Very unique! Overall, a great race, but something should be done about the crowded walking trail.
K. H. from maine (5/14/2005) "Poor Organization, Nice Scenery" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Colorado Marathon (prev. Fort Collins Old Town Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 After being promised Gu gel at every aid station, racers in the latter half of the pack found that they had entirely run out at EVERY aid station. Aid stations at 3+ miles still not frequent enough. Goody bag included only a water bottle and coupon for a beer. The course, especially the first half, is along the Poudre River and gorgeous. You will hardly see any spectators until the end. If you do this race, bring your own of EVERYTHING you think you may need.

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