Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 3, 2024

Colfax Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Colfax Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.6

Organization 3.7

Spectators 3.3

Number of comments: 87 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

More Comments: [ < 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 > ]

Jimmy McCullough from Denver, CO (5/21/2007) "Excellent support" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Colfax Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I felt excellent support from the staff. I would suggest these improvements: 1: More porta-potties at the start, and one extra at each station where they were placed. People should not have to be forced to wait so long. 2: In the last 6-8 miles, when you are trying to meet a time goal, it means so much to know how much distance remains. Could you place BIG signs, at EXACT locations saying, "exactly 5.0 miles to go," "4.0," "3.0," etc.? When we were at the aid station that was at about 21.6 or so, people, referring to a "mile 22" sign a few blocks up the street were proclaiming loudly, "Only 4 miles to go," when it was really more like 4.5 miles. When you are so weary and trying to mentally calculate what pace is going to meet your goal, this is very discouraging when it takes you so long to reach the next mile marker, and still it is difficult to calculate division by 4.2 miles, 3.2 miles, 2.2 miles. In summary, regardless of the aid station location, just have large "4.0 miles to go," "3.0," "2.0," "1.0 mile" signs up. Even going back to 10.0 would be helpful. Thanks.
P. P. from Denver, CO (5/21/2007) "Second Time Running Colfax" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Colfax Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I said I was coming back, and I am glad that I did. The organization was great, the weather this time was not as hot, and the fans on course were very supportive. Downside: I am pretty sure we ran more than 26.2 miles - I think it was 26.7. My Garmin showed us running 1.5 miles between mile markers 12 and 13. Our pacer had the same issue. Otherwise, every mile marker was spot on. Lots of refreshments, good music, food at the end. This was my second time running Colfax and I plan on coming back next year!
B. L. from Littleton, CO (5/20/2007) "Good - but could definitely be better, please!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 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.
P. P. from Denver (12/11/2006) "A hard marathon for my first but I am coming back." (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
A. L. from New York / Arkansas / Afghanistan (9/17/2006) "Pretty darn good for an inaugural marathon" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 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.
M. V. from Westminster, CO (8/8/2006) "Tough, tough race; needed more water in 2nd half!" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 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!
K. J. from Arvada, CO (6/24/2006) "WOW!!" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
J. P. from the midwest (5/29/2006) "Host hotel correction" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
T. D. from Denver, CO (5/27/2006) "Great organization saves this one" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 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.
L. T. from Merritt Island, Florida (5/27/2006) "Great Marathon." (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Colfax Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.

More Comments: [ < 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 > ]

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use