Race: Slacker Half Marathon
Runner: Coach Nicole Thome
Race Date: 06/24/2023
Location: Georgetown, CO
Results: 1:52:49
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9326894544
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Downhill (prob 95%) course
- Very PR’able
- Beautiful scenery
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Definitely have someone waiting for you at the finish so you don’t have to deal with the shuttles! Point to point race so if you park at the start (which most people do) you have to shuttle/bus back. This is typically no big deal. Pretty common. BUT, they obviously didn’t have enough shuttles or busses. Waited almost an hour (in full sun) and then 20+mins to travel back to Loveland ski area. Almost 90 mins just to get back to my car — for a race that took 1:52 to run.
There is also a relay race in this event and I heard from people that the shuttles to their start area was just as awful. 🙁
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s a fairly late start — 8 am. Even though it’s in the mountains, still a lot of potential for it to be WARM in late June. Seems like a no-brainer to start it a bit earlier.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I enjoyed the course very much! Placed in my AG (3rd out of 70), too!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Parking is easy but the shuttles aren’t. Have someone drop you off/pick you up.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
See above about getting a ride to/from the race.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
This is downhill course, yes. However, there are a few significant uphills — and the website doesn’t have a proper course elevation map so it’s hard to know in advance where they are. There’s a small hill in the first mile (no biggie, fresh legs); the main incline comes around mile 6 and it’s significant. There’s another brief hill around mile 10. And then, it’s dirt and a gradual up for the last quarter mile — pretty harsh at the end.
The first mile is also on dirt trail. It’s no big deal but it’s narrow (maybe 6′ wide) and before people start fanning out, it’s a crowded first mile.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very much so! Even though parts of it are close to I-70, some of the best views are in the later part of the course when the path opens up along the highway.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not really. If you haven’t trained for significant downhill running, quads will be on fire.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very much so! Except for the busses/shuttles. There are a ton of prizes/giveaways at the end, good beers, REAL FOOD and an overall good vibe!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Unsure, it’s a mid-size race. Mostly locals.
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!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Pretty standard fare. Water and I think gatorade. Water stations seemed plentiful.
Weather and typical race conditions
It’s late June so yes, it can be warm. And you’re running directly into the sun.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Not really
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
More so than I thought! Since it’s also a relay race, they have several designated parking areas in at least 4 spots along the course. While there weren’t a ton of spectators along the course, in these few areas, it was really nice!
How’s the Swag?
Long sleeve shirt — which is odd for a summer race. But the design and logo for Slacker is AWESOME!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 out of 5 stars
Nicole Thome is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.