Boulder Backroads Marathon

This was my first marathon, so I was pretty nervous, yet pumped about it. The run itself wasn't bad... the full marathon was two loops of the half. There was only one or two hills, and they were fairly easy hills at that (all my training was done with NO hills, and I still didn't have much of an issue with the hills). However, I decided I don't like the two loop format. The run started out with lots of people around, and there were a few spectators riding their bikes to be able to be at multiple mile markers. However, once I completed the first loop and was on to the second loop, there was pretty much NO ONE. All the runners around me were only doing the half, so suddenly I was running all alone, and the few spectators that were there in the first half were no longer there. I'm pretty sure I only saw 3 groups (families) of spectators after the second half. It pretty much just felt like another training run... running all alone with me and my music. If you are someone who likes running with a big crowd, with people cheering you on, this is NOT the race for you. If you like your solitude, then you'll probably enjoy it. I felt that there were plenty of aid stations along the way (every few miles or so if I remember correctly), however my biggest complaint is that there was just about nothing at the finish line. There was water, but I couldn't find any sports drinks anywhere! Also, since there was a 10k, half marathon, and full marathon, all the snacks were picked over by the time I finished. I didn't run fast, but I finished in less than 5 hours... I mean, that's not THAT slow to run a marathon. There were people finishing after me, so I feel like there should have been more snacks available. There were literally only bags of chips left at the snack table. There was also no excitement going at the finish line. I'm used to doing runs where there are festivities and music and fun things going on, but there wasn't any of that. All I did was drink a few cups of water and then leave to go get some lunch/something to drink other than water so I could replace some of those electrolytes I lost. To sum it up, it basically just felt like another training run for me. I'm not sure why the entry fee was $100 when all I got out of them was free water and a bag of chips (that I couldn't even eat because my stomach couldn't handle it).

I ran the half marathon and absolutely loved it! It was very well organized, we got great swag, the course support and aid stations were outstanding! It is also one of the most beautiful courses I have run in years! I am so glad a quality race organizer revised this great event and hope to see many, many more participants in years to come.

I ran the 1/2 marathon. Loved the start time of 7:15, and the course was awesome. Slightly uphill going out, but coming back the slightly downhill helped me run a negative split! Excellent after-race refreshments. The new organizer was on top of everything, from packet pickup to parking to the start line. I will definitely run this every year now. Great experience.