I would recommend this race if you are looking for a challenge. Hills and altitude the second half were very tough for me even though I trained for hills Race … MORE
I would recommend this race if you are looking for a challenge.
Hills and altitude the second half were very tough for me even though I trained for hills
Race expo was on the smaller side
Medal was a little smaller for the half marathon, wife ran the 10K got the same medal
Shirt was nice
I placed 2nd in my age group and received a bag with a pair of socks, honey stinger waffles and some sports salve, bummed I did not get a medal
Awesome views along the Elk River
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Very challenging with awesome views
I would recommend this race if you are looking for a challenge. Hills and altitude the second half were very tough for me even though I trained for hills Race … MORE
I would recommend this race if you are looking for a challenge.
Hills and altitude the second half were very tough for me even though I trained for hills
Race expo was on the smaller side
Medal was a little smaller for the half marathon, wife ran the 10K got the same medal
Shirt was nice
I placed 2nd in my age group and received a bag with a pair of socks, honey stinger waffles and some sports salve, bummed I did not get a medal
Awesome views along the Elk River
Challenging But Worth It
My new husband and I ran the marathon for our honeymoon (yes, you heard that right). We are from PA so we made sure to be in the Rockies for … MORE
My new husband and I ran the marathon for our honeymoon (yes, you heard that right). We are from PA so we made sure to be in the Rockies for a couple days before the race so we could see how our bodies would acclimate to the altitude. Luckily, we didn’t have any headaches or sickness, just EXTREME DEHYDRATION during the race. We yielded everyone’s advice and gulped more water than usual, but that didn’t help much. Of course, the last half of the marathon (all of the half marathon – which was virtual this year) had no tree cover or clouds in the sky. You start from elevation of over 8,000 in Hahn’s Peak Village and end in downtown Steamboat at just over 6,700. Although it’s a net downhill course, don’t think that means you won’t be climbing some hills! I ran the first 12-14 miles of the course in record time (beautiful tree cover and lots of downhill) but after mile 16, I had to have walked all but a tenth of every mile. The dehydration got to me and the heat was scorching at this point. Aid stations are only every 2-3 miles, so when you’re walking and relying on the aid station for water/Gatorade, it’s a struggle. All this to say I thoroughly enjoyed the scenic views along the way and still had a PR. My goal was 4:30 and was on pace at the half, but once I got to the second half, I was just trying to make it under 5 hours. I would love to come back to vacation at Steamboat, but I am not sure I would want to test this course again. I’ll be sticking to half marathons for awhile.
One tough great race
This is a beautiful tough race. Enjoyed the communications and expo. The race director seems very nice. I entered the race knowing it had a strict 5 1/2 hour limit. … MORE
This is a beautiful tough race. Enjoyed the communications and expo. The race director seems very nice. I entered the race knowing it had a strict 5 1/2 hour limit. So race day as we rode the bus to the started I was disappointed to see so many hills. We started out in the cool temperature very fast. About mile 4 I ran a 8 minute mile and realized I was running at altitude. For those that say altitude doesn’t really matter… well it does to me. I couldn’t hardly catch my breath and the day continued that way. The best news I have for you is…. even though they say there is a 5:30 cutoff there isn’t. So all my worrying was for nothing… even those finishing after six hours received their times. So I successfully completed my Colorado race even though I thought I would be punished to come back again to this beautiful state. Scenery, lodging, food, and friends this is a great race… just so hard with altitude, hills, and lots of exposure to sun.
Downhill race
This was a down hill race but with the elevation it still seemed hard. It started at around 7,000 feet and finished in downtown Steamboat Springs (elevation 6,700 feet). MORE
This was a down hill race but with the elevation it still seemed hard. It started at around 7,000 feet and finished in downtown Steamboat Springs (elevation 6,700 feet).
Scenic pt2pt race back into town
Race starts out super scenic after bus ride north of town. Both marathon and half follow the Elk River and surrounding mountains (and "cheering" cows) back to town. Last three … MORE
Race starts out super scenic after bus ride north of town. Both marathon and half follow the Elk River and surrounding mountains (and “cheering” cows) back to town. Last three miles into town we lose the shade and exposed to the sun, but 2016 weather was fortunately accommodating so no issues. Recommend the run – biggest race in Steamboat and views/organizers/volunteers make it great.