Rockies Marathon

This is a massive downhill marathon (4700-ft vertical drop) and marketed as a fast course. It is beautiful, interesting and unique but difficult. Don't expect to BQ unless you are very trained at downhill and acclimated to altitude. Starting at 10,500 feet slows you down even for folks (like me) who live at a mile-high elevation. The first half is much steeper and takes a toll. Many runners hit walls around mile 17-18. My pace slowed by over 75 seconds/mile at that point yet I passed more runners and moved up in the standings despite slowing down. Organization is great. The shuttles to the start were painfully early but I don't see any other way to do it. Runner goodies were above average (blankets and gloves at the start, nice medal, free pics and videos). There are no spectators allowed for most of the course as it is a narrow mountain road, but it is GORGEOUS and there were some elk who looked up as I passed even if no people. All in all a great experience - just remember that there is NO SUCH THING as an easy marathon and you won't be disappointed!

Great race to qualify for Boston. Course is point to point and love the option for race day packet pick up. 6am start is superb!!!

I really liked this race. The organization was terrific. All went off without a flaw. The buses, the course, the communication was all great. This is my first downhill race and it hurt. I think the hills would have been manageable but what really hurt was the steep slope from side to side. At many times one foot was a good 6 inches or more higher or lower than the other. This takes a toll over 26.2 miles. I am not being negative but I must say it is not a good race for those who want or need spectators. They are pretty much non existent. Friends and/or family can not see you on the course until almost the half way point due to road closures. This was a bit of a bummer. The heat during the weekend was quite bad. We caught a break on Sunday but it was still hot. I wonder if the race organizers might consider starting an hour or even half hour earlier. The buses get you to the start but it is a long wait. It could have been very cold at the start and hot at the end. A shorter wait at the top and an earlier cooler finish could be had be an earlier start time. I am glad to have knock off Colorado in my quest for 50 states. This was a great race!