This event is really well run and organized; I can see why it’s been around for 20 years. I ran this as a purely fun challenge and to experience local … MORE
This event is really well run and organized; I can see why it’s been around for 20 years. I ran this as a purely fun challenge and to experience local Colorado running, while here on vacation. I live and train at only 400’ so was a bit worried about the altitude, but planned to take it easy and felt better than I expected to (I did have two days to acclimate).
The course: The course goes from about 10,660’ to 8,500’. My Garmin said the total elevation loss was 2,500. The downhill is serious for this event, so if you haven’t run some hills or don’t keep your form on the major downhills, it will be painful towards the end. There was hardly any uphill. I was impressed with the course (aside from the first mile on a rutted dirt road and in the crowded part of the race – not too fun); most of it was on beautiful paved bike path, through forests and with views down the canyon to the finish in super quaint, historic Georgetown.
Organization: I was really impressed with how well the event was run overall. Start area had plenty of port-a-potties, and they even had jugs of water out – and sunscreen to share. Mile markers were on-point, even though I don’t believe it was a certified course; seems like it easily could be. Perfect placement and amount of aid stations, volunteers were awesome, and the finish in downtown Georgetown was great. The shuttles running back to the start / vehicles were smooth and made it all a breeze.
Swag: moderate, but I think pretty good for the size and cost of the event. Seriously, for my $70 entry fee, this was a SUPER deal. Long-sleeved tech shirts are nice; medals are sufficient. Personally, I don’t mind there not being a female-fit shirt option, though that could be nice. Any race that offers free beer at the finish gets my vote and the Pilsner was refreshing.
Areas to improve: I would love to see a course map (like they provide at packet pick-up) on the website, and an elevation chart would be nice. Finish line fuel options could be improved, mostly speaking as a vegetarian, it would be awesome to offer veggie-dogs, or other salty re-fueling options.
All in all, this is an excellent option for a fairly-small, scenic, and fun race. It’s a great deal, well-run, and I would highly recommend – as long as you have at least a day to adjust to the altitude, it’s well worth it!!
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Well-organized, scenic, fun event
This event is really well run and organized; I can see why it’s been around for 20 years. I ran this as a purely fun challenge and to experience local … MORE
This event is really well run and organized; I can see why it’s been around for 20 years. I ran this as a purely fun challenge and to experience local Colorado running, while here on vacation. I live and train at only 400’ so was a bit worried about the altitude, but planned to take it easy and felt better than I expected to (I did have two days to acclimate).
The course: The course goes from about 10,660’ to 8,500’. My Garmin said the total elevation loss was 2,500. The downhill is serious for this event, so if you haven’t run some hills or don’t keep your form on the major downhills, it will be painful towards the end. There was hardly any uphill. I was impressed with the course (aside from the first mile on a rutted dirt road and in the crowded part of the race – not too fun); most of it was on beautiful paved bike path, through forests and with views down the canyon to the finish in super quaint, historic Georgetown.
Organization: I was really impressed with how well the event was run overall. Start area had plenty of port-a-potties, and they even had jugs of water out – and sunscreen to share. Mile markers were on-point, even though I don’t believe it was a certified course; seems like it easily could be. Perfect placement and amount of aid stations, volunteers were awesome, and the finish in downtown Georgetown was great. The shuttles running back to the start / vehicles were smooth and made it all a breeze.
Swag: moderate, but I think pretty good for the size and cost of the event. Seriously, for my $70 entry fee, this was a SUPER deal. Long-sleeved tech shirts are nice; medals are sufficient. Personally, I don’t mind there not being a female-fit shirt option, though that could be nice. Any race that offers free beer at the finish gets my vote and the Pilsner was refreshing.
Areas to improve: I would love to see a course map (like they provide at packet pick-up) on the website, and an elevation chart would be nice. Finish line fuel options could be improved, mostly speaking as a vegetarian, it would be awesome to offer veggie-dogs, or other salty re-fueling options.
All in all, this is an excellent option for a fairly-small, scenic, and fun race. It’s a great deal, well-run, and I would highly recommend – as long as you have at least a day to adjust to the altitude, it’s well worth it!!
Beautiful, downhill race
I loved this race! This was my 11th half and definitely my favorite. It is all downhill with the exception of a portion of mile 6. My legs were very … MORE
I loved this race! This was my 11th half and definitely my favorite. It is all downhill with the exception of a portion of mile 6. My legs were very sore and cramping during the race (due to running downhill) but the scenery made up for it. Great communication from the race director and well organized. I would definitely recommend this race.
What a great race!
Great mostly downhill race! Start and finish are definitely smooth as silk and there are plenty of water stations along the course. Scenery is beautiful but you are running along … MORE
Great mostly downhill race! Start and finish are definitely smooth as silk and there are plenty of water stations along the course. Scenery is beautiful but you are running along side I-70. Overall this is one of my favorite races I have done and for those who care it seems to be very walker, and dog friendly. I would highly recommend this race for anyone who is interested.
It’s all downhill
Beautiful race in the Rocky Mountains. The entire race is downhill. Quads were screaming by the end of the race! Starts at over 10,000 ft elevation so be prepared for … MORE
Beautiful race in the Rocky Mountains. The entire race is downhill. Quads were screaming by the end of the race! Starts at over 10,000 ft elevation so be prepared for that.
Fun post run festival at the finish in Georgetown.
Fun run!
Great early start at Loveland ski area! Beautiful mountain scenery, but be ready for the high altitude. Fun after run party and giveaways. MORE
Great early start at Loveland ski area! Beautiful mountain scenery, but be ready for the high altitude. Fun after run party and giveaways.
No 'slacking' in this race!
Elevation is challenging but if you're looking to PR, this could do it! Arrive plenty early to catch the bus and the potty line is long! But I really enjoyed … MORE
Elevation is challenging but if you’re looking to PR, this could do it! Arrive plenty early to catch the bus and the potty line is long! But I really enjoyed this race!
Great race to PR, but be prepared!
Despite this being called the "Slacker" Half-Marathon - be prepared for some decent hills throughout the course, the altitude (race starts at 10,500+ feet), and possible heat in the second … MORE
Despite this being called the “Slacker” Half-Marathon – be prepared for some decent hills throughout the course, the altitude (race starts at 10,500+ feet), and possible heat in the second half as the course becomes exposed. If you’re ready for those, it is a fast course and got me my PR! Overall, the shuttle bus’s to the starting line were my only disappointment logistics wise (I didn’t get to the start line until 10 minutes AFTER race start – but they did wait to start the race). I wish they would start earlier than 8:00am, as it got HOT quickly. The scenery was great except for the sections in which you could see traffic from I-70. But overall – great course, great course support, and great swag for the price (medals were a little disappointing, but the race only cost $45). The post-race celebration was awesome. I definitely recommend this one and would do it again.