I had planned on running my 9th state marathon in Lincoln, but had to cancel due to death in family. So I decided this marathon, even though my legs were past peak training, fit in with schedule - plus I wanted to see how I would do at altitude. You will definitely feel your lungs burning on the climb to the highest point!

From what the organizers put on their website, there were no surprises except for the unmanned water stop early in race. You will have two long hills to climb with two long downhills, but it's level the rest of the way. But you are at 7500 feet, so don't expect a PR. It was warm out there; I was sure glad that I put on sunscreen and that I carried a water bottle with me. I probably set a PR in how much water I drank; it is very dry at altitude.

It is basically a no-frill race with little spectator support, but it is well organized. You do run quite a bit of the race on a concrete bike path for those who don't like running on concrete. But it is a very beautiful run; just raise your projected finish time.

I had done the Big Sur Marathon a month before, and I thought that was the toughest race that I had run, until I ran this race. I am a flat-lander, so the altitude definitely had an effect on me. Thank goodness I had been in Colorado for a least a week before the marathon. The volunteers where very helpful and supportive, and there was plenty of water and Gatorade at the aid stations, which was important, given how hot it was. There were not a lot of people running this race, and there were times that I was running alone. The lap around the high school track towards the finish is a nice touch. If you are looking for an alternative to a big-city marathon, this is one to take a look at.

I apologize for adding to the warnings and tales of woe for this race, but it reinforces the fact that this is a tough course that, particularly for low-landers, should be approached with low expectations and a philosophical approach to a potential new personal worst. The Estes Park Marathon's altitude, hills, and lack of shade are a given - plus it is likely that it'll be windy and/or hot. But I'll grant that the course and area are beautiful.

It appears many come for the shorter events (half, 10K and 5K); there are lots of people, but not many marathoners (just under 150 finishers in '08).

The volunteers were very helpful and nice. The website and printed information were very good, but not put-your-mind-at-ease detailed. (Please include more specific aid station location information and provide hard copies of course maps in the race packet.) Though there are different start lines for each event, maps of the school grounds make it easy to find registration, start areas, and the finish area. If you can't lock your belongings in a vehicle, you can hide your stuff near the finish or leave it with the timers (who were also very nice).

FYI: Massages were $1 US/minute, not gratis, and the food/treat area were up the hill from the finish. I was too heat- and hill-beaten to want any solid food, so I can't comment on the '08 food selection.

This was a beautiful race and I will return next year. The course is challenging, but the beauty of Estes Park makes it all worth it. I enjoyed running through town and then also seeing the hidden areas of Estes. I think the race start should be better organized, and since all of the races start at different locations, it was very confusing. Every year will get better and better, I am sure. The shirts are nice and maybe next year we could purchase other marathon items.

I went through and read all of the comments from previous years to see what this race is like. Yes, the altitude is high and there are hills, but this is Colorado, so that's to be expected. This was pretty much a second-class race in every way. Lousy t-shirts, no frills. It appeared that they went out of their way to make sure they didn't provide any extras for the runners. The one word I would use to describe this race is "CHEAP!" No bang for your buck, and when there are so many quality races out there that truly give you a lot (and I've done approximately 100 races in 30 years), there is no reason to choose to run a race that cut corners as this one does. Cheap, ugly cotton t-shirts; poorly organized - many runners left without eating because there were no signs or information pointing the way to the pavilion for the post-race food, which was only sub par anyway). Outside of the few people working the aid stations, I saw maybe 20 spectators on the entire course.

The one and only reason that I can see to run this race is for bragging rights that you ran the highest marathon on pavement. Other than that, don't waste your time or money. I can honestly say that in approximately 100 races that I've run (and probably another 50 races that I have volunteered in and worked), this was the one that stands out as the cheapest I've seen. Too bad. With a little creativity and vision, they could have a really special race.

Best points: The course was well marked, and it did start on time. Estes Park really let me down, and this is the only race I've commented on that I haven't just praised. Twin Cities Marathon - fantastic; the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was a very moving tribute to those who lost their lives there. The point is: there are soooooo many great races out there - too many quality races to settle for one like this. My next marathon will be Akron. It was voted best new marathon last year and I am now ready to experience a race that does it right. The Estes Park Marathon missed the boat completely.

This was the slowest (4:58) and most beautiful of 16 marathons I have run. The majestic backdrop of 14,000-foot snow-capped peaks and superb race organization and volunteers make Estes Park a must-do run for any 26.2 miler. Take your time, run conservatively, smile at God's gift of nature, and take your time to laugh and thank the volunteers. The marathon field was small at only 170, and the number of volunteers was impressive. Even the unmanned water station at mile 3 was temporarily manned by a cyclist who had stopped to fill up water cups. The course elevation ranges from 7,500 to 8,100 feet, so be prepared with some hill and altitude training. The undulating course means that different muscles are used, in contrast to the constant pounding of flat city courses. The scenic figure-8 course provides an excellent tour of the area. The aid stations were superbly equipped with Gatorade, water, oranges, bananas and PowerBars, and staffed by friendly volunteers. Despite numerous twists and turns the course is very well marked with painted EPM arrows, bright yellow signs, orange cones and volunteers. The course weaves alongside several lakes and ends on the middle school track. I ended this wonderful event with a massage and did not have to wait in line. Thank you, EPM!

I ran the Estes Park 1/2 Marathon and loved everything about it. Just before the race it was announced that the first 1/2 of the race was uphill and the second 1/2 downhill - and they weren't kidding! The course was challenging, but rewarding. Afterward, at the finish line, there were plenty of supporters in the stadium, and they announced your name as you crossed the line. The event organizers were fantastic - lots of food (fruit and sports drink at finish line, lots of great food at the after party), beverages (free beer from Estes Brewery!), and lots of smiling faces. I would recommend this race to anyone looking for beautiful views, fun people, and a nice weekend.

Words cannot describe the beauty of this course. You run surrounded by snow-capped peaks, next to streams and lakes. I have run the Pikes Peak and Steamboat Marathons, and Estes is even more beautiful. It is, however, a tough race. It is hillier than I expected (coming from someone who runs Pikes Peak...). Nothing wrong with this, but do not expect anything close to a fast course. I ran a good 15 minutes slower than my usual high-altitude, flat course speed. The second half is tougher than it looks, so you need to keep energy in reserve. Organization was great; fans were sparse (given the rural nature of the course) but enthusiastic; and for the fee, this is the deal of the century.

Coming from Indianapolis and growing up every summer in Estes Park (Cheley Camps), all I can say is WOW!! I have hiked to the top of Long's Peak several times and run in 6+ marathons, but nothing prepares you for this course. The race starts off easy but at miles 6-8 the course starts to test you. The Cheley aid station not only announces your name but entertains and cares for you as you pass through their 2 stations. The lengthy downhill portion is what you need to be prepared for because you are not even half-way there yet. The lonely portion of the race is when you pass through town (lots of friendly people cheering you on there) and out to the east/north of town it is a slight uphill grade until you turn back to the Stanley Hotel. From there it is back to the high school and friendly faces, food and drink.

If you have done the same old races, look for this one and try the half-marathon first and come back in 2009 and do the full marathon. Great organization and friendly people with the surroundings of Rocky Mountain National Park and the town of Estes Park; what a winning combination!

I ran in 2007: awesome views, but this year there were very hard (and warm) winds... and it was very hot. My biggest issue is that often the course was run on the left-hand side of the road.