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☰
Rim Rock Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Rim Rock Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 5.0 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.4
Number of comments: 14 [displaying comments 11 to 14]
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Kristine Favier from Tallahassee, Florida
(2/13/2010)
 "MOST BEAUTIFUL MARATHON!" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rim Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After having run Rim Rock Run (22.6 miles) many times, I was delighted that this run became a marathon. The scenery is breathtaking and the miles sail by unnoticed. I had just run the Chicago Marathon the month before, so my time was not as fast as usual, but I would expect to add no more than 10 minutes to your average total marathon time. The serenity and beauty are well worth those few extra minutes! | |
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R. G. from Western Colorado, Colorado
(1/15/2010)
 "Challenging, scenic, and unique!" (about: 2009)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Rim Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was not my first marathon, but it was my first time running Rim Rock, which used to be a gate-to-gate 37K across the Colorado National Monument. This was the inaugural year at marathon distance, so I knew it would be a learning experience for both runners and race crew/directors. As a Grand Junction local, I'd been expecting a cold but sunny day, so imagine my surprise when the forecast was for snow in the land of 360 days of sun a year! When race day morning rolled around, there was a full-blown snow squall that started about an hour before the start, and the race crew was busy at work to make sure the course was kept safe for the racers. Buses were also kept open for people to sit and wait if they so chose, instead of standing in the snow. One minor complaint about the start: not enough port-a-potties. Other than that, timing chips were handed out in a hassle-free fashion, and no real problems or issues at the start. We started a few minutes after the scheduled starting time but this was entirely due to the weather conditions, and the race crew making certain that no major issues or dangers were present on the monument, so I actually appreciated that safety was an important concern. Despite a limited view from the monument due to weather, the course was still absolutely beautiful, and it was about as close to the feel of a trail run as you can get in road racing, with the quiet course and snow-dusted trees and bushes. While spectators were few and far between (not a problem for me - screaming, wall-to-wall fans/mega-marathons aren't my cup of tea), the aid stations were all outstanding, and manned by enthusiastic and organized volunteers. The climb up was indeed challenging, yet fun; the top of the monument rolls enough to keep you honest even after the big climb is over. Runners are rewarded with a screamingly fast last couple of miles down to the gate on the Fruita side. From there to the finish, the run along Highway 340 is physically and mentally tough, with cars whizzing by and no more downhill pitch. The turn into the park was a welcome sight, where family and friends could easily spectate. There was a nice assortment offering of post-race food and beverages, massage tables/booths, and some door prizes/giveaways. While it certainly wouldn't stop me from running the race again, it would be cool if some age group categories existed beyond the top three open and masters - not to get "stuff" or medals/ribbons, but just as a goal that runners could shoot for (especially on a course that's not "flat and fast"). Again, that's just a suggestion and not something that I'd consider to be a problem with the race. If you enjoy small yet well-organized marathons, or prefer scenic and quiet rural courses to large, big-city races, check out the Rim Rock Marathon. With the organization being as good as it was with new race directors/new distance in 2009, I expect that it'll be an awesome experience in 2010. | |
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Tony Kay from Boulder, CO
(12/31/2009)
 "Great course with long climb and longer descent" (about: 2009)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Rim Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Fabulous course with the inaugural event (2009) starting in a snowstorm. A beautiful route through the stunning Colorado National Monument. A long climb soon after the start (~15 KM) leads to a rolling section followed by a longer descent with a flat few KM to finish - save those quads. Hard for spectators as the route turns into a one way road going the opposite direction during the event. However, they'll enjoy the amazing views if they do venture out on the course. You'll want to train for this climb/descent to enjoy this. Great small event, and friendly organization - highly recommended. | |
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D. C. from USA
(12/15/2009)
"Beautiful and scenic course" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rim Rock Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a beautiful course run through the Colorado National Monument in western Colorado. The course is tough with the first 8 miles being a significant uphill. Miles 8-13 were still at a slight incline, then the course levels off and rolls along the top of the monument until mile 19. Quads beware at this point, as you start a screaming down the fast descent until you hit the main road at mile 24. Great organization: it was snowing like crazy that morning and they did a great job of getting us onto the shuttle buses for the start line, and an even better job getting us OFF the buses to start the race in the snow. Luckily, I have been to this park many times and I know how scenic it is. However, this year, the snow made it impossible to see the canyons until around mile 15. Great aid stations with water, HEED, gels, and actual food (the type you find at ultra events). This is a small race with not many spectators other than the super friendly volunteers. If you want a small race with the potential for great scenery, give this one a try. Make sure you train for those hills, though! |
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