WOW! Aside from the beauty of the run, the course was very well supported with volunteers at well appointed water stations. I was truly impressed with all the aspects of this marathon. Although I am a "flat-lander," the hills and altitude weren't as challenging as I expected. Thanks for sponsoring such a well-organized run!

I had to give 5 stars to spectators, as the animals were wonderful (and since there were warnings about aggressive mama elk, most grateful!). Saw 2 elk, and lots of other mammals. The highest altitude comes around mile 6, and the course staff are there calling out your names to get you up and over that hill.
I had one of my worst marathon times and still scored an AG award - and I'm really proud of that, as this is a challenging course. Forget all those races that promise you fast and flat or "BQ qualifier!" Do this run to celebrate all that you love about running, to give yourself a physical and mental challenge, and to experience the grandeur of a spectacular part of the world. If that's not enough, $10 of your entry goes to benefit the youth of Estes Park - there were volunteers thanking me for running, I kid you not.
Leave your watch at home and live your life - run Estes Park and give yourself a gift of nature, and of completing a challenging course that is well worth your trouble.

Other (so called) "big name" race directors should come observe the Optimist Club pros who could show them how to put on an outstanding event. (There have been several 2007 CO events with major glitches and/or lack of promised support elements.) Not so with Estes Park where they deliver MORE than promised: Hot day forecast (in 80's) so they have their act together and add extra water stations. And they add ICE in many of them for icy cold water or Gatorade... along with fruit and Gu at all stops (except the several add-on stops). The aid station volunteers were great. (You'd think the locals would be a bit jaded to visitors given the popularity of Estes Park/Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park - but, heck no. They were all very friendly and cheery.)

The 2007 medal is primo. Struck by a local and famous pewter craftsman, it's classy and elegant.

The post-race party is the best I've ever seen with great all-you-can-eat food and beverages (even the very last finishers... which is often not the case): Estes Park Brewery micro beer, great breakfast burritos by the Egg and I (an area favorite), premium handmade ice cream by local Haley's ice cream shop, and fresh-made subs - plus chips, veggie sticks and fruit.

And, the Optimists are not resting on their lofty laurels... they were out with interview teams talking with finishers and asking how they could improve the 2008 race!

Dial this race into your race calendar... but consider dialing in an extra day or two to acclimate. I talked to lots of seasoned "flatlander" marathoners who wished they'd come a bit earlier to get used to the altitude (compounded by this year's heat and, as always, the challenging hills).

Almost forgot - the course scenery is possibly the best of any CO marathon... and that's saying a lot.

All I can say about this race is that it is HARD, HARD and really HARD! Without a doubt the most difficult physical thing I have ever done in my life. However, when I crossed that finish line I felt like the toughest lady on the planet. If you like a challenge and love running for the sake of running then this is the race for you!

The course is very difficult, unless you absolutely love hills (and elevation). On the bright side, it is very scenic, so you have plenty to look at when you are running slower than normal.

More aid stations are needed early in the race. If my memory is correct, it was about 3.5 miles between the first and second aid station.

Don't expect a lot of fan support; also, since it is a small race (a couple hundred runners), you can run alone for miles.

I was disappointed with the cotton t-shirt that was handed out before I even ran; maybe it's not important to others, but I want a shirt (techincal fabric is nice) when I finish.

The food at the end is good. Ice cream!

Altitude breathing was a big set-back. I understand why it is mountain jocks who win nearly every division of this race. They deserve it. Beautiful course, but tougher than nails. Glad I did it, but probably not again, due to the need for extended elevation acclimation. I want to thank the brunette on mile 21 or so who was so supportive in her jubilant cheers as each runner went by. She understood the power of encouragement. There were other supporters, also, but sparse, due to rural setting. Exremely well organized, inexpensive, and a great post-race lunch, including shakes. Hotels are double-price, but it is a great tourist attraction. Plenty of reason to vacation and enoy the natural resources while there - breath-taking. In 15 races, this was my toughest, due to the thin air. I was intending to do Pikes Peak next; not now! Thanks for the great experience.

Don't know if it was the altitude or the hills or both, but this course kicked my butt. Crazy choice for 1st marathon. Beautiful setting and lovely town. Great place to spend a few days vacation.

This was my 2nd marathon and far harder than the first (the Lost Dutchman in Fort Apache, AZ). Between the two, I prefered Estes Park.... Much of the run is on country roads and bike paths. Lots of time to run alone, given the small field (150 runners). If you need fans to push you along, though, this is not the race for you. Last but not least, this is a *very* hilly course, despite the rather downplayed description on the website. Start slow or you'll pay for it! Overall, a great race.

EPM was my 9th marathon... and it was challenging! However, in spite of the lack of oxygen, it was a FANTASTIC marathon! The scenery is incredible, and the marathon was well organized and supported. I enjoyed my stay in Estes Park and found everyone to be friendly and helpful. The course is not to be taken lightly, but worth the effort. I appreciated the police presence and assistance with traffic. WELL DONE!!! I recommend this marathon highly... even though I struggled!!! Thanks, EP!

The course was probably the most beautiful I've ever experienced--and this was marathon #123! Great people, great organization. If I could only learn to live without oxygen!