The week of Slacker Half, I received multiple emails with important race information. One email dealt with traffic - the race said I-70 gets crowded on weekends and frequently has … MORE
The week of Slacker Half, I received multiple emails with important race information. One email dealt with traffic – the race said I-70 gets crowded on weekends and frequently has backups and accidents due to overheating vehicles. They recommended arriving very early.
The race began at 8am. I planned to arrive at the race venue by 7:15, which should’ve been plenty of time. However, the exit for the start line at Loveland Ski Area had a 2+ mile backup, clogging the highway and bringing traffic to a complete stop. I waited in traffic for forty minutes. Other runners were getting out of their cars and jogging down the shoulder of 70 to make the race start. I saw another runner abandon her car on the highway.
I got to the race start at 8:01am. Everyone was just milling about, but there were no audible announcements. I asked a bunch of fellow runners what was going on until one told me the race start was pushed to 8:30.
I have no idea why the race didn’t email this information. Runners risking their safety on a backed-up highway is unacceptable – the race should’ve just sent an email announcing the later start. This would’ve given stressed-out runners peace of mind. And why, in the pre-race communication, did they not mention that traffic at the start/exit gets severely backed up? This is more helpful than vague advisories about “overheating cars.”
Which brings me to the next point: an 8am start time in late June is already pushing it. 8:30?? We were all overheating on course by the final 5k.
The course was gorgeous, but even as a Denver resident I felt the altitude. Be prepared! Despite the net downhill, this is still a tough course and unlikely to lead to a PR. I ran this race for fun and am glad I did – it was hard to maintain an “easy” feel and I wasn’t even trying to push my pace.
I’ve done dozens of half marathons and sadly, this was the worst managed one I’ve ever completed. There’s a lot of potential with the course, but the management needs to improve their communication and start time.
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Lots of Potential; poor management
The week of Slacker Half, I received multiple emails with important race information. One email dealt with traffic - the race said I-70 gets crowded on weekends and frequently has … MORE
The week of Slacker Half, I received multiple emails with important race information. One email dealt with traffic – the race said I-70 gets crowded on weekends and frequently has backups and accidents due to overheating vehicles. They recommended arriving very early.
The race began at 8am. I planned to arrive at the race venue by 7:15, which should’ve been plenty of time. However, the exit for the start line at Loveland Ski Area had a 2+ mile backup, clogging the highway and bringing traffic to a complete stop. I waited in traffic for forty minutes. Other runners were getting out of their cars and jogging down the shoulder of 70 to make the race start. I saw another runner abandon her car on the highway.
I got to the race start at 8:01am. Everyone was just milling about, but there were no audible announcements. I asked a bunch of fellow runners what was going on until one told me the race start was pushed to 8:30.
I have no idea why the race didn’t email this information. Runners risking their safety on a backed-up highway is unacceptable – the race should’ve just sent an email announcing the later start. This would’ve given stressed-out runners peace of mind. And why, in the pre-race communication, did they not mention that traffic at the start/exit gets severely backed up? This is more helpful than vague advisories about “overheating cars.”
Which brings me to the next point: an 8am start time in late June is already pushing it. 8:30?? We were all overheating on course by the final 5k.
The course was gorgeous, but even as a Denver resident I felt the altitude. Be prepared! Despite the net downhill, this is still a tough course and unlikely to lead to a PR. I ran this race for fun and am glad I did – it was hard to maintain an “easy” feel and I wasn’t even trying to push my pace.
I’ve done dozens of half marathons and sadly, this was the worst managed one I’ve ever completed. There’s a lot of potential with the course, but the management needs to improve their communication and start time.
Gorgeous race & amazing people! Try it!
We came in from Florida a week before to adjust to altitude which helped! Communication was great all the way up to day of race. Scenery is outstanding and course … MORE
We came in from Florida a week before to adjust to altitude which helped! Communication was great all the way up to day of race. Scenery is outstanding and course well marked, mostly pavement. Few short uphills, lol. There were a few minor issues that a lot of others were annoyed about. The traffic for parking delayed us 40m, which for hardcore runners is annoying. A lot of us were up early, had eaten, had stretched and were ready. Couldn’t hear any announcements from the Director. Not as much crowd support as expected, some return runners said there were usually way more. Lots of water stations and super friendly volunteers. Wish they had some gels or snacks, but most of us had some. Lots of port o potties, little to no wait. Finish line was ok, no one handing out medals, we had to go to a box at a table, they also ran out of water bottles for about ten m. We waited for a beer which they were awesome at the beer tent. We got our bag and shirt. We went to the merchandise table which barely had anything and was disappointing, we always try to buy extra to bring home for the kids. I don’t know where the freebies were they mentioned in the email. There were 2 vendors and a few recovery tables. They were packing up fast when we came thru. Only oranges, half bananas and yogurt, not sure what happened with hot dogs as we waited 45m. The shuttle back was fine and we def, are happy we did this race, scenery alone and incredibly nice people made it worth it. But if you want super organized with freebies, swag, good food, this probably isn’t for you.
Officially a Slacker
This was a fantastic event. Coming from flat sea level, I was mindful of the challenge concerning altitude. Flying in two days before the race provided the time needed to … MORE
This was a fantastic event. Coming from flat sea level, I was mindful of the challenge concerning altitude. Flying in two days before the race provided the time needed to adjust and experience beautiful Breckenridge.
The downhill course had plenty of aid stations. The perfect running weather was a treat, and the scenery was magnificent. It was clearly a local favorite, as many runners were veterans of this race.
The race had changed hands this year, and communication was confusing. In addition, the end of the race party was disorganized. Despite this, this is the only half I have run where I finished already wanting to run it again.
Good race but really high
The race is almost all down from Loveland ski area to Georgetown. Only issue was the altitude. Overall enjoyable time. I would recommend it MORE
The race is almost all down from Loveland ski area to Georgetown. Only issue was the altitude. Overall enjoyable time. I would recommend it
Downhill for days
Super fast course, the only thing to slow you down is yourself. Knees take a beating after awhile, but the scenery is the best of any race I’ve participated in … MORE
Super fast course, the only thing to slow you down is yourself. Knees take a beating after awhile, but the scenery is the best of any race I’ve participated in so far! Rivers, waterfalls, evergreens, mountains, and a passenger train near the end. Fantastic booths and party atmosphere at the end of the race! Good swag bag and great shirts as well!
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.
Beautiful Downhill
Writing this in 2023 for a race I ran in 2013 & 2014. I enjoyed it so much I ran it again (then moved out of state). I do remember … MORE
Writing this in 2023 for a race I ran in 2013 & 2014. I enjoyed it so much I ran it again (then moved out of state). I do remember there were two big uphill portions that took my breath away, let alone the altitude. But I remember being shocked both times by my final time being faster than I ever had done in training. I’d love to return to do this race, I just hope the medals and shirts have improved in design.