Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon
Georgetown, CO
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Because of its location, the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon is one of the most pleasurable races in the western US. The point-to-point course is a scenic and gently rolling downhill mountain course that winds down the Clear Creek Valley — starting at an elevation of 8,500ft. at Georgetown Lake … MORE
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The view from the back of the pack
This is a great smaller event produced by the local booster club. I've done this run the past 2 years. You're picked up in Idaho Springs and bussed to the … MORE
This is a great smaller event produced by the local booster club. I’ve done this run the past 2 years. You’re picked up in Idaho Springs and bussed to the start point on Lake Georgetown, then run back. Swag is basic, tee-shirt and very basic finisher’s medal. No bag drop (which is very disappointing), no electrolytes, just water on course. Porta potties are plenty. Volunteers are plentiful and enthusiastic. The last 1/4 quarter mile is straight uphill.
Post race on the sports field with live band is nice. Beer, bagels, watermelon are offered. When leaving the post-race party, you’re then bussed back into the heart of Idaho Springs to wherever you parked your car.
This could be a 1st class event with additional resources. I for one don’t mind paying an additional $5 for real food at the finish.
All in all a solid event.
Easy and Beautiful Course!
This was my second time running this race. I ran in 2015 and 2023. Beautiful course, and always a great temperature due to the mountain air. Mostly downhill but watch … MORE
This was my second time running this race. I ran in 2015 and 2023. Beautiful course, and always a great temperature due to the mountain air. Mostly downhill but watch out for the steep incline near the finish at mile 12. This race requires extra effort because you have to shuttle to the start and back to your car at the finish. I wish the race still ended in downtown. The tee shirt in 2023 was so ugly, could really use a designer and higher quality material. The medals both times were pretty boring. Overall a great Colorado race but I wish they had better swag!
This should definitely be on your list
After 45 years, the organizers definitely know what they are doing. The logistics of a point to point race can be tricky, but the production was seamless. There were frequent … MORE
After 45 years, the organizers definitely know what they are doing. The logistics of a point to point race can be tricky, but the production was seamless. There were frequent shuttle buses to the start, and since the start line was open for over an hour, you could start as soon as you got there, or you could wait a few minutes for a “mass” start. The scenery is unmatched – 13.1 miles of Rocky Mountains. The route follows what I assume was the main road along the creek before the interstate was built, and while the air is thin – the start is at over 8,000 feet, you lose a thousand feet of elevation along the way, with very little climbing, except for one cruel hill about a tenth of a mile before the finish.
Harder than expected!
I was hoping to crush this as it looked like it would be mostly downhill but was, this was not my race. Regardless, it was a gorgeous run, very smoothly … MORE
I was hoping to crush this as it looked like it would be mostly downhill but was, this was not my race. Regardless, it was a gorgeous run, very smoothly run, great swag and after party.
A view from the back of the pack
Well organized run. Sufficient stops that are minimally supported. Just water. This could be an incredible first class event with additional resources. The route is incredible. The only downside is … MORE
Well organized run. Sufficient stops that are minimally supported. Just water. This could be an incredible first class event with additional resources. The route is incredible. The only downside is the extreme uphill for the last 300 yards.
Gorgeous 1/2 marathon course
Great course and the volunteers that put the race on are the best. Cheering squads, a live band, volunteers directing on the course and the local police department providing safety … MORE
Great course and the volunteers that put the race on are the best. Cheering squads, a live band, volunteers directing on the course and the local police department providing safety and traffic control.
Wish the end of the face was in town and not outside of town, but I would definitely do this race again. Supports a great cause to boot!
Early start, FAST finish!
The race route between Georgetown and Idaho Springs puts Colorado’s natural beauty on display from start to finish. I’ve driven this route countless times traveling into the mountains, but after … MORE
The race route between Georgetown and Idaho Springs puts Colorado’s natural beauty on display from start to finish. I’ve driven this route countless times traveling into the mountains, but after running this race, I’ll never look at it the same way again (in a good way). The rock formations along the road and the beautiful creek are amazing to stare at as you fly downhill for the majority of the course. There are a few uphills sprinkles in their that can catch you off guard, but I’d say 75% is a downgrade slope. Also inorant to note is the start line transportation. Be prepared for an early morning! They offer a bus ride for participants to the start. I highly highly recommend you take them up of this offer. Get there as early as you can to secure your parking spot in Idaho Springs, as they’re not as plentiful as one might hope. I’d recommend this race to anyone who wants to embrace the outdoors of Colorado, and it doesn’t hurt that this course almost guarantees you a PR.
A great race for a PR
This course is primarily downhill from Georgetown, CO to Idaho Springs, CO. It starts at about 8,500 ft. elevation and goes down to 7,500 ft. The course is mainly paved, … MORE
This course is primarily downhill from Georgetown, CO to Idaho Springs, CO. It starts at about 8,500 ft. elevation and goes down to 7,500 ft. The course is mainly paved, with a few short, dirt paths. The downhill pace offers a chance for a PR. Post race celebration and swag were probably the biggest at any race I’ve been to. This will hopefully be an annual race for me.
late start time, not enough support
The location is beautiful and we stayed at the hotel walking distance to the start. The race doesn't start until 8am and you spend much of your time directly in … MORE
The location is beautiful and we stayed at the hotel walking distance to the start. The race doesn’t start until 8am and you spend much of your time directly in the sun in the canyon. Not a lot of course support, especially for slower people who found themselves with water stations closed down. Ended up with heat exhaustion and a worst half time. The medal I pre-ordered (extra charge) was sold to someone else and I had to wait to get it in the mail. It was my 5th half marathon, first-timer for this race, and I haven’t gone back. Even my seasoned husband, who is a front pack runner and running his 30-something half, didn’t enjoy it, it starts much too late. If the start time was moved back to 6:30am we would consider it again.
Downhill
This is a fast race as it is downhill. Overall a pretty good mountain run. Plenty of great restaurants to try at the end of the race in Idaho Springs. MORE
This is a fast race as it is downhill. Overall a pretty good mountain run. Plenty of great restaurants to try at the end of the race in Idaho Springs.