Race: Colorado Marathon
Runner: Emily Parker
Race Date: 05/01/2022
Location: Fort Collins
Results: 4:31:27
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The race was downhill which was awesome! The weather was perfect. Also such a beautiful course running through the Poudre canyon.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
4 am get on the bus time haha but necessary to have a early race start which was nice
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I did not walk which was my main goal!! With my coach we decided to take it easy since I missed a month of training due to a MCL injury earlier in the year! I had 1 hour PR!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
- They have water, coffee, and hot chocolate at the start. Also plenty of port-a potties at the start and a gear vehicle to take stuff down. Definitely a race to bring throw away clothes.
- The canyon is pretty cold in the morning and pretty shaded.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
- Definitely bringing sunscreen or a hat! Having an electrolyte drink for after the race.
- Also bringing warmer clothes in case it’s cold at the beginning. They don’t provide gloves or space blankets
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There are slight hills at mile 12,17, and 18, otherwise downhill/flat.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Beautiful through the canyon! Also last part of the race is mostly through a park which is nice.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not at all! Mostly downhill only 2-3 slight hills.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well organized for sure! They had two different locations for bus loading for the half and full which was good. They had almost too many aid stations haha more is always better than not enough though!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Nope! Easy to register and get in. Easy to either get a discounted hotel. But I got an Airbnb about a 15 minute walk from the bus loading which was nice. Sounded like from other people a lot of places don’t allow late check outs.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Water and nuun. They did not have nuun at aid station 1,5,8. Also had honey stinger chews at 5 and 8. There were sooo many aid stations! I skipped about 4 of them.
Weather and typical race conditions
High thirties in the AM warmed up to high 40s low 50s which was perfect! Sunny throughout the race, slightly overcast.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
No not really. I used a run belt to hold all of my chews.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Definitely not. There is really no option for spectators in the canyon. There are some spots on the road coming out and then in the park but I don’t know how easy it is to get from point to point.
How’s the Swag?
Eh. Definitely a pretty medal! But nothing else other than a shirt, koozie with the beer!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 stars, definitely would recommend!
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