I did the half. Was a fun race. The uphill ending into a parking lot left something to be desired. Biggest issue was that there were only 6 porta-potties at the half start - for almost 1,700 finishers. Not pretty. If we are to hydrate, train and have a good race, someone should see to it that we can use a toilet before the race starts, for heaven's sake. There should be over 30 porta-potties. This is done so well at so many races; hard to believe they can't get this right. I was told there were 5 last year. Easy enough to fix if someone decides to.

This was my first marathon. I really like the history of Colfax Avenue and loved seeing the street so active on a Sunday morning. The organization including the registration, web page, updates and training runs were all well done. I spent little time at the expo, so I can't really comment on it. The start was early since you arrived at the end of the race to take a bus 26 miles to the start - I got up at 4, arrived at the end of the race at 4:30 and was bussed to the starting line around 5:15. But, I'd rather start early and have the bus ride at the beginning than after I finished. This is what happens with a point-to-point race, isn't it? The race was generally downhill with some short ascents for the first 18 miles and then was brutally uphill the last 8.

Temperatures were around 50 at the start but soared to over 80 for the end of the race. There was little shade once you left City Park and the road became really hot when the race started its uphill stretch. Lots of fan support, bands throughout the course, people in pajamas cheering you on, and the large sponges in cold water around mile 22 were the most refreshing things I have ever experienced. I stopped and took a second sponge. The pacer was right on time. The aid stations were well stocked. Well prepared and energetic volunteers. I thought the event was just fantastic and I am already signed up for the 2007 race. Recently I purchased a "Fax is Back" t-shirt that I will proudly wear to other events to encourage people to come in 2007.

As the first time this race has been run, I have to say that it was reasonably well put together. Although I was questioning the logic of a 26.2 course with virtually no turns (besides the park section at the halfway point), I actually enjoyed the uniqueness... even if it is horribly brutal at the end. At over 5,000 feet elevation and with the last 8 miles uphill, you won't set any personal records, but it is actually enjoyable to run from township to township and watch the scenery change. There were some minor things that were lacking in organization, but I expect that of a first-year marathon and I bet the problems won't exist next year. The markers were spot on, the aid stations were well stocked. LOTS of volunteers to help out, and an impressive number of spectators (especially for the ridiculously early start), with bands playing some great tunes along the route.

Basically...
The good:
- Fun route ALL the way through Denver
- Excellent offical pacers
- Excellent spectator and volunteer support
- Excellent and frequent aid stations

The bad:
- Not enough medical support at the finish
- Mild organizational issues (probably won't happen again)
- REALLY early start
- Poor excuse for a goodie bag and post-race expo, especially for a $100 entry fee
- Terrible finish location (steep hill to a huge parking lot, lots of runner congestion, NO SHADE ON ASPHALT!!)

Would I run it again? If the finish was in a different area, or at least had a LOT of cirucs tents and seats for shade, and if it was cheaper.

My only comparison is to Boston. I thought that the race organizers could have emphasized the uphill nature of the second half, rather than say it's a relatively flat course. Also, considering the heat, they needed H2O at every mile from City Park to the finish. I live and train in Denver and the heat + hills = dehydration, and did me in.... I was way off pace, mainly because of the last 5 miles or so. I don't think I'd ever run this one again unless as part of a relay team... which the organizers seemed to favor anyway. I did have the chance to talk with Mayor Hick right before the capitol - cool!

Ok, as a Denver native, my first thought about running 26.2 miles down Colfax Ave. was not a positive one. I though whoever came up with this "bright idea" needed their head examined. I am pleased to say I was shocked by how much I loved this race! Every aspect of this race blew me away, from the fantastic volunteers to the spectators and police. The organization was incredible. My only complaint is the City Park section. There were no spectators and it wasn't as well marked as it could have been. Well done, Denver! I will be back and will recommend this race to others! You did our state proud!

My apologies to the new Hyatt Convention Center hotel.

They are the host hotel and I inadvertantly said Hilton in my remarks.

Must still be oxygen deprived.

Running straight down one road for some is OK, but not for me.

The organization was top-notch - great expo, plentiful H2O stops, great finish area. The only complaint was that there was no info sheet in the packet. When was the start? Where do I park or do I take a shuttle? Where to meet family? etc... would have been helpful.

It was a record high temp for the day, so I can't complain about that, it happens.

The course is what it is - thus the Colfax Marathon. The last 12K is a brutal 700-foot gain with no spectators at altitude - very hard for a road marathon. Couple that with the heat and it sucked!

Don't expect to run fast here. Enjoy looking at the mountains throughout the course because that is what will get you through it.

Great finish area at the mall and great medal.

I think that organizers put on a great first-time marathon. I could not believe how many volunteers were on the course - many just in the intersections cheering the runners on. The people of Aurora were wonderful - so much enthusiasm. I was surprised at how many police officers were also encouraging the runners. I was worried about the 2nd half of the course but have no complaints about the course. Glad I picked this one for my Colorado marathon. My only complaint was the lack of information concerning the bus to the starting line from the host hotel. It took me several attempts before I was comfortable and felt like there was indeed a bus to the start. This information could be in the race packet along with the info provided race morning regarding the logistics of water, Gatorade, and how the relays would be handled.

There was some confusion regarding the buses going from the finish area to the start at 4:30 a.m. but the 6 a.m. start became a blessing when the sun got up and the temps began to climb. There were parts of the course when you are looking right at the mountains and that was beautiful. Crowd support was very sparse and located in the center of the 3 cities we ran through, but for an inaugural event it seemed OK, even though we would like more. The trip through City Park in Denver was like getting lost in a giant maze and as others have mentioned, the last 6 miles were steep. I wasn't very happy with my time but when I saw the winning times I guess the course really did have something to do with it overall. For other flat-landers considering this next year, I never experienced anything that I thought was altitude-related - at least as breathing goes - so give it a try and maybe the organizers can end this race in the West Denver shopping center to give it a downhill run to the finish.

Overall a good rating, as it wasn't the race director's fault that the temperatures were 20 degrees warmer than normal. Crowds were loud and enthusiastic. There was enough Gatorade and gel packs for even the slowest runners. However, as a back-of-the-pack runner, I was dismayed to see lots of race staff leaving City Park as we ran in. My fears proved correct when many runners in my group got lost among the confusing cone placements and no one was there to point the way out. Don't forget us in the back - we may be slow, but we're out there even longer than you, and sometimes we need all the help we can get! Also, after spending hours running towards the mountains, it was a bit deflating to finish in a parking lot behind a mall.